There is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorders and standard treatment options focus on improving behavior and reducing symptoms. Because of this, many physicians look for alternative treatment options that offer additional help. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment, or HBOT, is one such alternative that shows great promise in treating autism. HBOT treats the cause of the disease by reducing damage and swelling in the brain. Because of this, a lot of researchers, parents, and people with autism see great benefits.
Autism advocate and researcher Dr. Stephen Shore said it best when he said, “If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” Autism is not just one disease; it has many subtypes that are affected by different genetic and environmental factors. Even the problems and signs are different for each person. Speech and nonverbal contact, repetitive behaviours, and social skills are some of these problems. On the other hand, it doesn’t always affect intelligence. 44 percent are normal to above average in terms of their intelligence.
Autism begins in early childhood, with many children receiving a diagnosis around the age of two. It often includes additional diagnoses with other medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders, seizures, and mental health issues such as attention deficits, anxiety, and depression.
Not Just the Brain is Affected by Autism Although the majority of people with autism focus on their brains, the disorder can manifest in other parts of the body as well. The gastrointestinal system is one important link. People with gastrointestinal problems are more likely to exhibit autistic signs and behaviours, according to the research.
According to studies, individuals with autism often experience issues such as inadequate oxygen delivery, irregular blood flow, immune system abnormalities, and high levels of inflammation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves delivering high concentrations of oxygen at elevated pressure levels while a patient relaxes in a hyperbaric chamber. By bringing more oxygen to areas with low oxygen levels, HBOT helps restore normal function. Increased oxygen levels in the blood reduce inflammation, promote the development and maintenance of healthy blood vessels, and restore regular blood flow and oxygen delivery. There is also evidence that HBOT can support the immune system’s normal functioning. In addition to benefiting brain health, people with gastrointestinal issues may also experience improvements with HBOT.
Individuals on the autism spectrum can benefit from HBOT in several ways, including improved sensory and cognitive awareness, better sleep, reduced aggressive behavior, less hyperactivity, and improved social interactions.
For example, reduced blood flow in the brain is linked to repetitive behaviors and communication impairments. By increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to these areas, HBOT helps reduce core autistic symptoms. Studies have shown that HBOT can improve language development, awareness, and behavior.
Positive Feedback from Parents
Parents and loved ones of individuals with autism have firsthand experience with the day-to-day challenges these individuals face. The Autism Research Institute has been gathering parent feedback on treatment effectiveness for many years. In 2009, hyperbaric oxygen therapy ranked highly for its positive effects on behavior and symptoms in individuals with autism. Of the 219 cases treated with HBOT in 2009, 65% of parents reported improvements in symptoms.
Reported benefits from parents include:
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. If you’d like to learn more about how HBOT can make a difference, contact us today.
