HBO & Autism Treatment

For years parents with autistic children have been enticed with new alternative treatments for the autistic spectrum (such as Secretin). Now hyperbaric oxygen is being touted as a potential vehicle of hope. Since no Phase III studies have (yet) been done concerning treating autism with HBOT, we understand that parents will naturally be skeptical.

In recent years, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for autism has been used worldwide. Though the results vary, individual reports from families and health professionals are encouraging. As promising results come in, news articles are also starting to appear on the subject:

» Oxygen therapy benefits children with autism
» Promising autism treatment

Our own preliminary clinical research with autistic patients at Pittsburgh Hyperbaric Institute has shown significant levels of cognitive improvement. We are excited about the results and are currently enlisting other HBOT centers to collaborate in a multi-site study. PHI's Dr. Frank Morganti will soon be publishing findings on his research.

Other recent research has discovered that some autistic individuals have decreased cerebral perfusion, evidence of neuroinflammation and increased markers of oxidative stress. Studies have shown that decreased blood flow to the autistic brain--mainly to the temporal regions and areas related to language comprehension and auditory processing--correlates with many of the behaviors associated with autism:

• repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors;
• impairments in communication;
• sensory perception;
• social interaction.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment compensates for this decreased blood flow by:

• increasing the oxygen content of plasma and body tissues;
• normalizing oxygen levels in ischemic tissue (areas affected by insufficient blood flow and oxygen).

Please be aware that if you're considering renting a portable hyperbaric chamber, these units typically only "dive" to six feet and use air that's not 100% oxygen. There is a significant difference in cognitive improvement when utilizing a 100% oxygen chamber that dives to 60 feet (like our Seachrist 2500 chambers).

HBOT is not a miracle cure for autism. While HBOT will revitalize brain cells, the cells will still have to be "trained" to do what they were intended to do (through therapy) and ongoing metabolic support (nutrition and/or vitamin supplementation). HBOT is meant to augment your child's current therapy, not replace it.

There is no consensus or body of evidence to conclusively say that HBOT works in the treatment of the autistic spectrum. What is known is that increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain stimulates neural growth and repair.

While we understand you apprehensions and concerns, we believe that HBO treatment for your autistic child is worth looking into further. Browse Google and you'll find many sites making various claims, but also blog sites where parents describe the results of HBOT with their children. We can also provide referrals to the parents of our autistic spectrum patients, upon your request.

Please contact us for more information about utilizing HBOT in the treatment of autism.

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