Supporting Children with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders
The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders in recent years has increased significantly. As of 2012 about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
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 with HBOT
- 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 with HBOT
- Promotes Receptive/Expressive Language
- Improves Movement and Walking
- Stimulates Better Eye Contact
- Improves Gross/Fine Motor Skills
Advance Mental Function with HBOT
- Improves Sensory/Cognitive Awareness
- Increases Attention Span and Alertness
Improve Behavioral Function with HBOT
- Improves Sleep Pattern
- Advances Social Skills and Interaction
- Reduces Aggression
Improve Digestive Function with HBOT
- Reduces Gastrointestinal Issues
- Decreases Inflammation
- Enhances Nutritional Absorption
Source: International Hyperbarics Association
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and advice of a qualified licensed professional. This website offers general information and in no way should anyone consider that this website represents the practice of medicine. This website assumes no responsibility for how this information is used. Also note that this website frequently updates its contents, due to a variety of reasons. No statements or implied treatments on this website have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is important that you do not reduce, change, or discontinue any medication or treatment without first consulting your doctor. Please consult your doctor before beginning any new program of treatment.
Study: Autism Symptoms Ameliorated with HBOT
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.
These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. All of the statements made in this document are not anecdotal and have been taken directly from clinical data.