Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, has been used worldwide for the treatment of children with Autism and other developmental disorders. In recent years there have been many encouraging reports from professionals and families who have used HBOT to treat symptoms of Autism. It is thought that many of the symptoms of Autism and other developmental disorders may be alleviated by the increased oxygen levels provided by HBOT (Wakefield, 2007). Additionally, HBOT also increases blood flow to the brain, enables the body to better metabolize nutrients, to activate under-utilized areas of the brain and to improve and stabilize brain functioning. All of these benefits of HBOT have been linked to the difficulties and needs of children with Autism. It is believed that such benefits of HBOT target many autistic symptoms such as digestive problems, self-stimulation, repetitive behaviors and difficulties with sensory perception, communication and social interaction. Further, some children with Autism have been found to have specific neurological and cerebral conditions that respond to this treatment. These conditions—one of which is neuroinflammatory disorder in which neural development is inhibited—appear to be specifically related to core symptoms of Autism. Core symptoms of Autism occur in 3 major areas of functioning including social skills, behavior and language. Neurological conditions--such as neuroinflammatory disorder--have been shown to create symptoms like those found in Autism. These symptoms include poor language comprehension, poor expressive language, limited responsiveness, poor social contact and impaired processing of auditory information. HBOT, when used to treat such neurological conditions, can target and significantly improve such symptoms of Autism as well. Additionally, autoimmune and/or viral conditions have shown positive response to HBOT. Many now believe that Autism and other developmental disorders have a basis in dynamics similar to these autoimmune conditions. In addition, benefits such as less irritability, greater spontaneity, improved eye contact and less sensitivity to noise have been noted in children with Autism who have had a series of HBOT treatments (Rossignol & Rossignol, 2006).
Conditions Treated with HBOT
HBOT has traditionally been used to treat the “bends”, a condition experienced by deep sea divers who surface too quickly and for patients suffering from inhalation of smoke or gases such as carbon monoxide. HBOT has also been used successfully to treat complications of closed head injuries, stroke, fetal alcohol syndrome and cerebral palsy. HBOT is also commonly used to great benefit in healing wounds, reducing inflammation in the body’s tissue and fighting infections that do not respond to other treatments. HBOT is also used to treat neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, HBOT is used in athletic training and anti-aging treatments. Hyperbaric chambers can be found in medical settings, specialty clinics, training facilities for athletes, spas and private residences.
Participation in HBOT
HBOT is a non-invasive and pain-free treatment. The hyperbaric chamber is a pressurized “chamber” in which pure and odorless oxygen is administered. The therapy session typically involves only the physical discomfort of a ‘full’ sensation of pressure in the ears—much like that experienced in airplanes. HBOT, however, does require that the child enter a hyperbaric chamber which is completely enclosed and remain there for lengthy periods—in some instances up to 1 ½ - 2 hours per treatment. Chambers vary in size with the smallest portable chambers being spacious enough to lie in comfortably. Larger chambers allow more movement and have a more ‘room-like’ environment. Technicians assist children during the sessions and are skilled in helping children be unafraid and comfortable. While there is visibility and space enough to lie down or do other quiet activities, some may have difficulty being confined for this period of time. Children can typically be accompanied in the chamber by an adult who can assist them through the session comfortably. Some treatment providers will suggest the use of medication to ease anxiety during sessions although the HBOT sessions themselves are typically relaxing. Children may watch movies, read, listen to music or do other familiar activities during treatments. They also can typically maintain contact visually with technicians and caregivers outside the chamber. While children will be taught techniques for relieving pressure in their ears, there is very little else that a child must do during the sessions. Most children will find HBOT to be fun and relaxing and many will sleep throughout their sessions. HBOT is typically done in a series of sessions and so children will become familiar with the surroundings, procedures and personnel as regular visits for treatment take place in the physician’s office or at specialty clinics recommended by a physician.
Rossignol, D., & Rossignol, L. (2006). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve symptoms in autistic children. Medical Hypotheses 67:2 , 216-228.
Wakefield, A. (2007). Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Children With Autism. Retrieved May 4, 2009, from ClinicalTrials.gov: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00406159