Autism & AUTISM Spectrum Disorder

The number of children diagnosed with ASD in recent years has increased significantly.

Due to that increase, more and more parents have turned to alternative forms of treatments to counteract the underlying symptoms of autism. Traditional medicines have often failed at producing desired results for many patients with autism and their families. However, studies have demonstrated hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an emerging treatment that parents and physicians are utilizing to help ameliorate the effects of ASD. This non-invasive treatment is as simple as a one-hour daily session, where the parent and child enter a hyperbaric chamber and receive increased levels of oxygen. HBOT has been shown to decrease in inflammation and improve cognitive functions, which have substantially helped thousands of ASD patients.

Studies have demonstrated the following benefits of HBOT for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

ENHANCE BRAIN HEALING AND REPAIR

Increases Oxygen Delivery to Hypoxic Tissues
Reduces Neuroinflammation
Moderates Mitochondria Dysfunction
Promotes Neurogenesis
Stimulates Stem Cell Proliferation and Mobilization
Reduces Seizure Frequency
Actuates Neuroplasticity

IMPROVE PHYSICAL FUNCTION

Promotes Receptive/Expressive Language
Improves Movement and Walking
Stimulates Better Eye Contact
Improves Gross/Fine Motor Skills

ADVANCE MENTAL FUNCTION

Improves Sensory/Cognitive Awareness
Increases Attention Span and Alertness

IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL FUNCTION

Improves Sleep Pattern
Advances Social Skills and Interaction
Reduces Aggression

IMPROVE DIGESTIVE FUNCTION

Reduces Gastrointestinal Issues
Decreases Inflammation
Enhances Nutritional Absorption

Research

In 2009, a multi-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial was published in BMC Pediatrics, investigating the introduction of HBOT with 56 children diagnosed with ASD, ages 2-7. The study consisted of six separate HBOT centers that treated 30 children with 40 one hour sessions over the course of four weeks; whereas the remaining 26 children underwent sham treatment. Upon completion of this study, 80 percent of the treatment group’s mean physician Clinical Global Impression scores for overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction and eye contact significantly improved. Major improvements within the Aberrant Behavior Checklist were observed in irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and speech. Finally, the treated children’s ratings on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist with respect to sensory/cognitive awareness exemplified substantial improvement. Hyperbaric treatment was confirmed safe and well tolerated by the children and their parents in both groups.

Clinical Research

The following research highlights the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for people who have autism or ASD.

Study