The advancements in medical diagnostic and treatment methodologies have ensured that many disorders, previously misdiagnosed, are now adequately investigated.

This makes treatment and management much more manageable, especially for the caretakers.

One disorder now widely reported among children worldwide is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A new, radical method of treatment for ASD is HBOT therapy using hyperbaric chambers.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that impacts the brain’s development. Children with ASD often face challenges with social, language, and communication skills, making interactions with others difficult.

Children with autism exhibit narrow and specific interests. They may display repetitive behaviors such as grunting and squealing and might have pronounced sensory sensitivities to touch, sound, taste, and sight. Even a seemingly minor event can trigger a colossal meltdown.

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Experts don’t know what exactly causes ASD. Studies suggest that Autism Spectrum Disorder may be caused by a complex combination of factors that could be hereditary, biological, and environmental.

While there is a high inclination to genetic vulnerability, the incidence of autism is more common in individuals with certain medical conditions like-

• Fragile X Syndrome
• Rubella during pregnancy
• Brain infections like Encephalitis or Meningitis
• Tuberous Sclerosis
• Undiagnosed Phenylketonuria
• Lack of Oxygen during birth
• Substance abuse during pregnancy
• Premature childbirth

One or more of these factors can affect early brain development, leading to certain physical and mental difficulties in the way different parts of the brain communicate with each other.

Conditions that may accompany autism-

• Seizure Disorders
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Sleep Dysfunction
• Sensory Integration Dysfunction

More on ASD

Numerous studies indicate that individuals with autism have a decreased blood flow to the brain, causing brain inflammation and leading to a condition called Cerebral Hypoperfusion.

Apart from this, autism patients also seem to suffer from a higher incidence of Gastrointestinal Inflammation, which causes constipation or Diarrhea.

Adding to this list are oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction that autistic children may suffer from. They also have impaired production of porphyrin, which impacts the delivery of oxygen to various body parts.

While there is no specific cure for ASD, there are therapies and procedures that can help manage the symptoms, like –

• Medications
• Behavioral and communication therapy
• Diet changes
• Alternative and complementary methods

One of the latest treatment methods that has garnered support and treatment for ASD is HBOT therapy.

What is HBOT Therapy?

In this treatment, 100% oxygen is administered to the individual in a pressurized chamber at pressure levels of 4 psi or 1.5 ATA (Atmosphere Absolute). This increased pressure enables oxygen to permeate, dissolve, and saturate all the body fluids.

This oxygen-rich blood is carried and circulated to all the parts of the body, especially to the damaged tissues and cells. The increased oxygen availability enhances the ability of the white blood cells to destroy infections, reduces inflammation, and makes more new blood vessels in the affected areas. This increases the healing function of the body at the physiological, biochemical, and at the cellular level.

How Can HBOT Therapy Help with Autism?

• Increased oxygen levels in the blood help reduce brain inflammation and improve circulation, thereby leading to the growth of more capillaries.
• HBOT treatment reduces inflammation in the GI system and enables improvement of the GI tracts in autistic children, thus alleviating the symptoms and increasing nutrition absorption.
• In the cases of oxidative stress, HBOT can reduce it by up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and increasing the production of antioxidants in the system.
• HBOT therapy for autism also helps increase mitochondria production in the case of Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Likewise, it raises the production of porphyrin, which helps in better heme synthesis.
• As autism is said to be a neurodegenerative disorder, HBOT treatment helps increase the production of stem cells that may aid in improving the conditions of brain disorders.
• Apart from the above, substantial changes were noted by caregivers in the energy, communication, speech, sensory sensitivities, and improved cognition levels of autistic children when they underwent HBOT
• Reduced irritability and hyperactivity, and decreased inflammatory markers, like C-reactive protein and TNF-Alpha level, were also noted in patients undergoing HBOT.

A Quick Glance at HBOT Therapy for Autism

The process – It is a comfortable and straightforward treatment method. The pressure chamber can comfortably accommodate a child and one parent.

Recommended period of treatment – It is generally advised to complete 40 hours of therapy in 30 days. This can be followed by a maintenance program on a long-term basis.

In Conclusion

By now you know that HBOT therapy can alleviate and manage autism disorder symptoms. By increasing the absorption of oxygen, HBOT therapy aids in reducing brain inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress markers, improving blood circulation, and stimulating cell growth in patients with autism.

Many ASD patients who underwent HBOT therapy showed notable improvements in their social, language, speech, and cognitive skills. While there is no single method to treat autism, for parents and caregivers of patients with ASD, HBOT offers a promising solution.