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. By treating damage and inflammation in the brain, HBOT targets the source of the condition. As a result, many researchers, parents, and those living with autism see amazing results. Let’s talk more about it!
Autism Explained: What You Need to Know
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is marked by challenges in social communication and interactions, as well as by restricted, repetitive, and inflexible behaviors that can be excessive or inappropriate for the person’s age or cultural background. These symptoms often cause difficulties in various aspects of life.
Once, Kerry Magro, an award-winning national speaker who is on the autism spectrum, mentioned:
“Autism can’t define me. I define autism.”
This implies that each person experiences autism uniquely, meaning that each individual defines what autism is for them.
Autism is not a single condition. It consists of a variety of subtypes influenced by different genetic and environmental factors. The challenges and symptoms can vary widely from person to person, including difficulties with speech, nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, and social skills.
It is important to note that autism does not always affect intellectual ability; in fact, 44 percent of individuals with autism have average to above-average intellectual abilities.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has shown promise in improving speech, communication, and social skills and in addressing repetitive and aggressive behaviors. For more information on how HBOT works, consult with the doctors at Lakeshore Hyperbaric Center in Chicago.
Autism typically begins in early childhood, with many children being diagnosed around the age of two. It is often accompanied by additional medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders, seizures, and mental health issues like attention deficits, anxiety, and depression.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Autism spectrum disorders can present in a wide range of ways, with symptoms varying significantly from one individual to another. On the spectrum, one person might be highly functional and able to communicate relatively well, while another might not use verbal communication at all.
Some children may display signs of autism in early infancy, such as not responding to family members. In contrast, others may develop typically for the first few months or years before becoming withdrawn or losing previously acquired language skills.
The signs of autism spectrum disorder generally fall into two main categories: social communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
Today’s Treatment Options for Autism
There is currently no cure for autism and no approved treatment for its core symptoms and causes. Current treatments focus on helping social interaction and increasing independent function. Some behavioral treatments include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), occupational therapy, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), and speech therapy.
Medications can target specific symptoms, such as seizures, anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity. Risperidone was the first FDA-approved medication for autism, and it targets behavioral symptoms such as aggressive behavior and self-injury. Another medication, Aripriprazole, is FDA-approved for the treatment of irritability.
Other alternative treatments include dietary changes, chelation to remove heavy metals in the body, or deep pressure therapy.
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is also growing in popularity as an alternative treatment for autism that is showing great results!
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Supports Autism Care?
Research indicates that individuals with autism often experience high levels of inflammation, immune system dysfunction, irregular blood flow, and low oxygen delivery.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) addresses these issues by providing high concentrations of oxygen at increased pressure levels while the person relaxes in a hyperbaric chamber. This therapy improves oxygen delivery to areas that have been deprived, aiding in the restoration of normal function.
As the oxygen levels increase, inflammation is reduced, and blood vessel growth and health are stimulated, promoting normal blood flow and oxygen delivery. Additionally, HBOT has been shown to support the normal functioning of the immune system. Beyond its effects on the brain, HBOT also offers benefits to those with gastrointestinal issues.
For instance, researchers have linked reduced blood flow in the brain to repetitive behaviors and communication difficulties. By improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to these areas of the brain, HBOT helps alleviate these core symptoms of autism.
Treatment with HBOT has demonstrated benefits in language development, increased awareness, and a reduction in problematic behaviors.
Research Highlights HBOT's Effectiveness in Autism Treatment
In recent years, numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating autism spectrum disorders.
One notable study from 2009 was a multicenter, double-blind trial involving 62 children with autism aged 2-7 years across six different centers. After 40 HBOT sessions, the children exhibited significant improvements in overall function, receptive language, social interaction, and eye contact.
A 2012 paper reviewed various HBOT and autism studies conducted over the years, highlighting several key findings:
Improved Cerebral Perfusion
HBOT was shown to improve blood flow to the brain, which is often linked to repetitive behaviors, lack of facial expression, and delayed language development.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Since individuals with autism often experience neuroinflammation, immune dysregulation, and gastrointestinal inflammation, studies found that HBOT reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neopterin levels, as well as C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
HBOT addresses mitochondrial dysfunction commonly associated with autism. The therapy helps eliminate dysfunctional mitochondria while promoting the growth of healthy ones by increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes.
Reduction in Oxidative Stress
HBOT helps mitigate oxidative stress associated with autism by boosting the production of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which protect against oxidative damage.
Behavioral Improvements
Treatment with HBOT has been associated with significant behavioral improvements in individuals with autism. Researchers have observed enhanced behavior, memory, social interaction, language, and cognitive function, reduced repetitive behaviors, increased eye contact, improved motor skills, and better gastrointestinal health.
Safety Concerns
None of the HBOT studies reported significant adverse reactions or side effects, aside from some mild ear discomfort, making it a safe treatment option.
These findings underscore the potential benefits of HBOT in managing autism symptoms and improving quality of life.
