Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders
It's easy to see the promise and potential in children. When
your child has an autism disorder, though, it may seem like you're
the only one who can see it.
But through our work in using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat
autism, we've been more and more able to see it, too. At the Canadian
Hyperbaric Institute, we've been able help parents find the great
kid who's been trapped behind the barriers of autism.
Promising research, as well as numerous reports from parents,
shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can have a positive
effect on autism disorders to improve behavior, cognition and
motor movement abilities.
Autism is a complex developmental disability. Theories about
its cause include reduced blood flow to areas of the brain, birth
trauma, infections, exposure to toxic chemicals, reaction to vaccines
(especially the MMR vaccine), and deficiencies in certain vitamins,
minerals and proteins.
Autism treatment requires that these problems be addressed,
to reduce or remove all possible irritants or blockages to proper
brain function. Physicians at the Canadian Hyperbaric Institute
are DAN!-certified and use DAN! protocols and treatments.
(Defeat Autism Now! is a set of treatments and approaches identified
as effective through the work of physicians, researchers and scientists
overseen by the Autism Research Institute since 1995. The ARI
provides instruction and certification for practitioners in these
protocols and treatments.)
http://www.defeatautismnow.com
As well, though, HBOT can speed the repair and regeneration of
injured brain cells.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases blood flow to the brain,
providing more oxygen and nutrients. Viable brain cells “wake
up” with this increase in blood flow, enhancing brain functioning
and improving symptoms. Hyperbaric oxygen also reduces inflammation,
reduces oxidative stress, increases metabolism of cells and mobilizes
stem cells from bone marrow.
Recent studies on HBOT and autism are showing promising results.
Reports from health care practitioners and families, as well as
the research here at the Canadian Hyperbaric Institute, are very
encouraging:
-
In a June 2006 study at the University of Virginia, 18 autistic
children underwent 40 one-hour sessions of hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. These researchers noted significant improvements
in energy, communication, motivation, mannerism, speech, sensory
and cognitive awareness and overall health.
-
In the October 2006 issue of Family Practice News, a landmark
study was presented on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and chronic
brain injury. Daily living, socialization, communication and
motor skills significantly improved for 21 brain-injured children
(average age 4.5 years) who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy
compared with 21 brain-injured children who received standard
therapy alone.
-
In a November 2000 study at Cornell University, 26 children
with cerebral palsy underwent 40 one-hour sessions of hyperbaric
oxygen therapy. The results showed hyperbaric oxygen provided
substantial improvements in motor skills, attention, language
and play.
In our clinic we commonly see autistic children becoming more
present and aware of their surroundings. One autistic child’s
mother explained how her son would look at flowers and his environment
like he was seeing them for the first time. Being more aware and
focused, they can be more present in their world.
We typically see improvements in eye contact, language, socialization,
appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms, motor movements, and a significant
reduction in tantrums. We have also been able to slowly wean children
off drugs such as Ritalin or Prozac.
It is important how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered.
A certified site ensures safe equipment and qualified attending
doctors and technicians. Hyperbaric oxygen is a medical therapy
and does come with risks. These risks are minimal when administered
under safe and supervised conditions.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve symptoms remarkably and
allow children with autism spectrum disorders to function more
normally in their everyday lives.
More information about HBOT for
families
More information about HBOT
for practitioners |
