The use of HBOT for autism has been used in many countries worldwide and since approximately 2002 in the US.

Since this is a very new use of HBOT, the data is still often scarce and varied. There are many case reports on the internet from families and health professionals most of which are encouraging. There are many theories as to the cause of autism and therefore the rational for use of HBOT is just as varied.

HBOT increases the oxygen concentration in the brain thus enabling the body to utilize metabolism of oxygen and nutrients to restore any areas suffering from low oxygen levels or hypoxia. HBOT reduces swelling and excess fluid in the brain.

 

HBOT acts to detoxify toxins in the body by stimulating the liver detoxification process. HBOT is a natural antibiotic so any yeast, viruses, and bacteria are killed by the high levels of oxygen.

In our center we have treated several dozen autistic children with HBOT ages 4-19 years.

Each family commits to this therapy understanding it is investigational and not a cure for autism. The benefits reported include improved eye contact, improved ability to perform auditory processing, responding to simple commands, sleeping better, improved speech/language, fewer socially unacceptable behaviors/stimming.

The results are usually noticed by NJHBOT staff, parents, family members, and therapists. HBOT should only be used for autism after other more common modalities have been implemented. PDD/autistic kids generally enjoy being in the chamber.