Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, the Supreme Court of India has issued strict guidelines cautioning against the use of stem cell therapy for autism. Authorities have been directed to act against misleading advertisements and unproven treatments. The move follows concerns raised by advocacy groups that families have spent over Rs 10 lakh on such therapies without scientific backing or positive outcomes.

“Many families faced severe financial strain chasing these treatments and got nothing in return,” said Parul Kumtha, trustee and co-founder, Forum for Autism, and one of the petitioners in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed at the SC.