Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder generally characterized by difficulty interacting and communicating with other people, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Symptom severity varies greatly across those with ASD, and not all individuals will show every symptom(1).

 While the exact causes of ASD remain unclear, there is strong evidence that ASD involves decreased blood flow to certain brain regions, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction(2). Our therapies are proven to target these exact issues and may help effectively improve symptoms of ASD.

We recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for ASD due to its benefits for the immune system and blood flow(3-4). There have been several studies on the effects of HBOT for ASD, with many pointing to significant symptom improvement following HBOT(5-6).

One study found that HBOT significantly decreased markers of inflammation and resulted in improved motivation, speech, and cognitive awareness in children with ASD(5).

A more recent study also found that children with ASD improved in almost all categories of both the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) following 40 sessions of HBOT. Although further research is necessary, preliminary evidence points to HBOT as an extremely low-risk, effective therapy for those with ASD.

In addition, HBOT decreases neuroinflammation, a main issue in AD. The effects of HBOT on blood flow, oxygen levels, amyloid plaques, and inflammation in the brain suggest its potential as a low-risk treatment for AD.

  • Decreased Inflammation

    Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces systemic inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory gene expression and decreasing proinflammatory genes.

  • New Blood Vessel Formation

    Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, healing injured tissues that were unable to get nutrients and oxygen.

  • Increased Stem Cell Activity

    Hyperbaric oxygen therapy mobilizes stem progenitor cells (SPCs) from the bone marrow, creating the opportunity for tissue regeneration.

 

Dr Paul Harch speaks on Autism

 
 

  1.  “NIMH » Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml. Accessed 25 Mar. 2021.

  2. Rossignol, Daniel A., and Richard E. Frye. “Evidence Linking Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Inflammation in the Brain of Individuals with Autism.” Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 5, Frontiers, 2014. Frontiers, doi:10.3389/fphys.2014.00150.

  3. Rossignol, Daniel A., et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Medical Gas Research, vol. 2, no. 1, June 2012, p. 16. PubMed, doi:10.1186/2045-9912-2-16.

  4. Rossignol, Daniel A., et al. “The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Symptoms in Children with Autism: An Open-Label Pilot Study.” BMC Pediatrics, vol. 7, Nov. 2007, p. 36. PubMed, doi:10.1186/1471-2431-7-36.

  5. A, Kostiukow, and Samborski W. “The Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski : Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego, vol. 48, no. 283, Feb. 2020, pp. 15–18.

  6. Rossignol DA, Rossignol LW, Smith S, et al. Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial [published correction appears in BMC Pediatr. 2012 Dec;42(4):236]. BMC Pediatr. 2009;9:21. Published 2009 Mar 13. doi:10.1186/1471-2431-9-21

  7. Xiong T, Chen H, Luo R, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;10(10):CD010922. Published 2016 Oct 13. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010922.pub2

  8. Rossignol DA, Rossignol LW. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve symptoms in autistic children. Medical Hypotheses, Volume 67, Issue 2, 2006, Pages 216-228, ISSN 0306-9877, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2006.02.009.