Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve autism symptoms
In 2009, Dr. Rossignol (USA) and his team conducted the first quality scientific study (controlled, randomized and double-blind) to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with autism .
This study was carried out on 62 children, aged between 2 and 7 years.
These were divided into 2 groups across 6 health centers:
- The 33 subjects in the first group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment.
- The 29 subjects in the second group (called the "control" group) received a "fake" treatment. In fact, the pressure applied during hyperbaric dives was almost non-existent.
In order to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy, the children were evaluated by doctors as well as their parents. Before and after treatment.
During a diagnostic assessment, the medical team can use different scales and tests, in order to decide on the "degree" of autism of the child. Also, during this study, the following 3 tests were used:
- CGI (Clinical Global Impressions)
- ABC (Aberrant Behavior Checklist)
- ATEC (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist)
Autism symptoms improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
80% of the children in the first group (the one who received hyperbaric treatment) improved, compared to 38% of the children in the control group. Still among the children in the first group, 30% were rated as "improved" or "very improved" , compared to only 8% of children in the control group.
Among children in the treatment group, mean CGI test scores significantly improved in the following areas:
- overall operation
- receptive language
- social interaction
- eye contact
Using the ABC test, significant improvements were observed in the treated group (but not in the control group) in the following areas:
- total score
- irritability
- stereotypy
- hyperactivity
- word
Using the ATEC test, significant improvements were observed in sensory/cognitive awareness in the treatment group.
Finally, a post-hoc analysis indicated that children older than 5 years, and children with lower initial autism severity, showed the most robust improvements.
It is also stated that hyperbaric treatment was safe and well tolerated by children.
Conclusion of the study
Finally, the team of scientists concludes:
Given the positive results of this study, and the dearth of formal treatments for autistic people, parents who undergo hyperbaric treatment for their autistic child can be assured that it is a safe treatment (…), and that it can improve some autistic behaviors.
Further studies are needed to confirm these results; we are aware of several other studies planned or underway on hyperbaric treatment in autistic children.
However, in light of the positive results of this study and those of several previous studies, the use of hyperbaric treatment appears to be a promising treatment for autistic children.
How does a session in a hyperbaric chamber take place?
Below, I offer you a short video to show you concretely the progress of a session (which is also called " diving ") in a hyperbaric chamber. Subtitles are available for the hearing impaired.