HBOT - Autism. A short note.

The alarming number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in recent years has been tragically increasing worldwide.

Due to that increase, more and more parents have turned to alternative forms of treatment 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 inflammation and improve cognitive functions, which have substantially helped thousands of ASD patients. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT for autism with the following:

Enhance Brain Healing & Repair with HBOT

Increases Oxygen Delivery to Hypoxic Tissues

Moderates Mitochondria Dysfunction

Stimulates Stem Cell Proliferation & Mobilization

Actuates Neuroplasticity

Reduces Neuroinflammation

Promotes Neurogenesis

Reduces Seizure Frequency

Improves Physical Function with HBOT

Promotes Receptive/Expressive Language

Improves Gross/Fine Motor Skills

Improves Movement & Walking

Stimulates Better Eye Contact

Advances Mental Function with HBOT

Improves Sensory/Cognitive Awareness

Increases Attention Span & Alertness

Improves Behavioral Function with HBOT

Improves Sleep Pattern

Reduces Aggression

Advances Social Skills & Interaction

Improves Digestive Function with HBOT

Attenuates Gastrointestinal Issues
Enhances Nutritional Absorption

In 2009, a multi-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial was published, 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 (CGI) scores for overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction and eye contact significantly improved. Major improvements within the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) were observed in irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity and speech. Finally, the treated children's ratings on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) 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 the treatment and control groups.