Autism & HBOT
HBOT is shown to improve cognitive functions in thousands of patients with ASD.
The alarming number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in recent years has tragically increased; from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 88 children in 2008. Due to that increase, more and more parents have turned to alternative forms of treatments to counteract the underlying symptoms of autism. HBOT has been shown to decrease inflammation and improve cognitive functions, which have substantially helped thousands of ASD patients.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help facilitate improvement in the following areas:
- Brain Healing
- Physical Function
- Medical Function
- Behavioral Function
- Digestive Function
HBOT has been shown to be an effective solution in reducing symptoms of autism. Some of those include:
Brain Healing
- Increases oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues
- Moderates mitochondria dysfunction
- Stimulates stem cell proliferation & mobilization
- Actuates neuroplasticity
- Reduces neuroinflammation
- Promotes neurogenesis
- Reduces seizure frequency
Physical Function
- Promotes receptive/expressive language
- Improves movement & walking
- Stimulates better eye contact
- Improves gross/fine motor skills
Mental Function
- Improves sensory/cognitive awareness
- Increases attention span & alertness
Behavioral Function
- Improves sleep pattern
- Advances social skills & interaction
- Reduces aggression
Digestive Function
- Reduces gastrointestinal issues
- Decreases inflammation
- Enhances nutritional absorption
Study: HBOT Reduces Autism Symptoms
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 rating on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) with respect to sensor/cognitive awareness, exemplified substantial improvement.
Hyperbaric treatment was confirmed safe and well tolerated by the children and their parents in both groups.