The breathing of 100% oxygen in a contained environment pressurized to greater than one atmosphere (sea-level).
Founded:
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBO) have been around since the 1800s, and research into the breadth of their uses continues to this day. John H. Haldane is considered the “Father of Oxygen Treatments.”
Overall Philosophy:
HBO as a treatment for autism relates to the autoimmune and/or viral theory. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers oxygen quickly and in high concentrations to injured areas systemically. The increased pressure changes the normal cellular respiration process and causes oxygen to dissolve in the plasma. This results in a substantial increase in tissue oxygenation. HBO is beneficial because it stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and increases oxygenation that can arrest certain types of infections. In the theory that autism is a result of an inflammation of the brain or an unchecked infection, HBO would be an effective treatment.
Popularity:
Studies are split 50/50 – both the control group (placebo) and the treatment group reported equally agreeable effects.
Time Required for Treatment:
Treatment times can vary from one or two hours to several visits over the course of many months.
Cost of the Treatment:
Average cost is approximately $250 per treatment.
Who Directs the Treatment?
The treatment should be conducted by someone experienced and/or licensed to operate a hyperbaric chamber.
Where Does the Treatment Take Place?
Treatment can take place at a Hyperbaric Oxygen Center, an outpatient treatment center or in the home if the family purchases their own chamber.
How is Success Defined?
The treatments are said to “clear brain debris” by increasing blood flow and neutralizing toxins. Consequently, children should begin to show improvement fairly soon after beginning treatments. Improvements include: verbal communication, direct eye contact, reasoning ability, motor skills, balance, attention and reduced aggressive behavior. Improvements may be seen in the form of calmness, language acquisition and balance.
Biggest Success Story:
Many children who receive HBO therapy in conjunction with other biomedical and nutritional therapies “test out” of the autism spectrum. They no longer fit the profile.
Web site:
http://www.healing-arts.org/children/hyperbaric.htm
Main Concern:
Biomedical treatments are the source of quite a bit of skepticism in the traditional medical community. In addition, the pressurization chambers may require the patient to swallow at regular intervals as well as the ability to clear their middle ear.