Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Autism
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are diagnosed today more than ever before: Autism currently affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys (Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism)
The cause of ASD is unknown. Most recent evidence suggests some combination of mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of the immune system, inflammation, oxidative stress and inability to detoxify chemicals and contaminants in our environment are mechanisms at work in Autism. Some research supports the theory that that the metabolic dysfunction in the autistic brain renders it starved for oxygen. Brain cells with low oxygen do not function optimally.
HBOT significantly increases oxygen in brain tissue so
- Cells absorb needed oxygen, inflammation is reduced and poorly functioning brain cells function better.
- HBOT improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to all tissues of the body promoting new tissue growth and more normal cell metabolism. This may be particularly helpful in promoting brain development and improving immune response in the child with ASD.
A controlled study using HBOT in children 2-7 years of age diagnosed with ASD demonstrated significant improvements in:
- Overall functioning
- Receptive language
- Social interaction
- Eye contact
- Sensory/cognitive awareness
Studies and reviews
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Social Behavior Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders
- The Relationship Between the Level of Copper, Lead, Mercury and Autism Disorders: A meta-Analysis
- A Review of Research Trends in Physiological Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Immune Dysregulation, Inflammation,
- Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Environmental Toxicant Exposures (PDF)
- Evidence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism and Implications for Treatment (PDF)
- U VA Health system– Presentation Daniel Rossignol; Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Autism (PPT)
- Diagnosis Autism Now What A Simplified Biomedical Approach (PDF)
- Hyperbaric Treatment for Children with Autism: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
- Novel and Emerging Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review (PDF)
- The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on oxidative stress, inflammation, and symptoms in children with autism: an open-label pilot study
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Promotes neurogenesis: where do we stand?
Videos
Dr. Michael Montico, MD, MAPS – BREATHING YOUR WAY TO WELLNESS
Honey Rincella, Autism parent and TACA Co-Coordinator for PA, shares her experience with the Biomedical approach to treating her own children with Autism
Jennifer Torres, Autism parent, discusses how HBOT has helped her daughter Gia
Gia’s Autism Journey & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
Testimonials
G.T. – Age 3
“In the 3 weeks since Gia began treatment at Oxygen Oasis, she has shown great improvement. After her third treatment, her eczema has gone away. Her skin felt like sandpaper and now is smooth.
At the end of the first week, her teachers reported that Gia is happier and more alert in the classroom. She is more independent, more present in the moment, her eye contact is improving and she is trying new tasks in school and at home. In the past, she was afraid to try new things.
Her fine motor skills are improving, she used to scribble when coloring and is now able to draw a straight line. Gia is now using a fork to eat and can drink from an open cup.
Gia is becoming more vocal and recently said hello to an Oxygen Oasis staff member. She said peekaboo while playing a game with us.
Gia was toe walking 99% of the time before starting HBOT, but now has days where she walks flat-footed and her balance has improved greatly with her newfound ability.
We spoke with her MAPS doctor, who recommended HBOT. He was very happy with the progress Gia has made in her first 20 treatments. As Gia’s parents, we are thrilled with the improvements Gia has made so far and are grateful to Chambers for Hope-PA for the financial assistance they have provided our family.” -David and Jennifer Torres