Our Blog

Treating Children with Autism Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

  

 delicious  

  

"This study evaluated the effects of 20 hours of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the functional outcomes of twenty children (4 females and 16 males) ranging in ages from three to seven years, each with a clinically proven diagnosis of autism, and living in Hawaii. Pre-HBOT baseline and post-HBOT follow up evaluations were performed by experienced autism testing clinicians in the community, independent of the treating facility. Testing outcomes proved statistically significant clinical improvements in 100% of the children in one or more of the following areas: Communications, Social Interaction, Imagination/ Creativity, Stereotyped Behaviors and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores."

SPECT Scan showing Pre & Post brain effects of HBOT

"..Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a cure for autism. It may be, however, a way of ensuring the most complete recovery possible. Hyperbaric oxygen takes the “stress” off all the cells in the body by providing oxygen, a necessary component of every chemical and healing process, and allows the body to recover. Although the brain makes up less than 2% of the body’s physical mass, about 20-30% of the body's consumption of oxygen occurs within the brain and spinal cord."

"These areas are extremely sensitive and responsive to oxygen increases and support.40 HBOT is generally considered the simplest, safest and most effective way known in the field of medicine to provide substantial extra oxygen support when needed."

"The use of HBOT to treat children with autism has been somewhat hampered by a medical community perception that there is a lack of studies available to show how hyperbaric
therapy works. In fact, over the years there have been over 30,000 studies worldwide relating to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and many of them - especially in recent years - have been related to the treatment of neurological disorders."

"Unfortunately, it is difficult to find the funding for large scale efficacy studies. Oxygen is considered a drug, and most drug studies in the United States are funded by major pharmaceutical companies. Since oxygen cannot be patented (thereby achieving some basis for future payments or reimbursement for costs), there is no financial incentive for these companies to invest in continuing hyperbaric research. This fact has made it difficult for parents and physicians to find the detailed study information they need."

"Fortunately, this is beginning to change as evidenced by Dr. Daniel Rossignol’s studies and those of Dr. Paul Harch, Dr. Pierre Marois in Canada, Dr. Daniel Lacey’s Dayton Study, Dr. Richard Neubauer, and many, many not able others."

"One important result of these recent studies is a reminder that substantial improvements can be achieved most easily (1) by children within the autism spectrum when the children are
young and (2) the behavioral and bio-medical issues are addressed through a comprehensive intervention program."

"This study - as well as practical clinical experience from other
hyperbaric facilities around the world who treat children with autism - suggests that HBOT is an important component to a comprehensive intervention program in order to achieve fullest and most expeditious recovery for children with autism."

To read the full study, click here:

http://www.hyperbaricmedicinecenter.com/image/pdf/autism_study.pdf