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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy & Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you know how challenging the condition can be. The core symptoms of ASD include difficulties with social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These can make everyday tasks and social situations incredibly difficult to navigate.  It gives us great hope, however, when a parent (in our office) says that her child’s first words came through hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  

Research suggests that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) could be an effective treatment option for loved ones with ASD. By exposing the body to increased levels of oxygen under pressure, HBOT has been shown to address some of the underlying pathologies associated with ASD and potentially alleviate many of the debilitating symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Difficulty with social interaction like misreading social cues, difficulty maintaining eye contact, and challenges in forming relationships.
  • Communication issues like delayed speech development, difficulty engaging in conversations, or trouble expressing emotions verbally.
  • Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or insisting on rigid routines.
  • Sensory sensitivities like being overly sensitive or under-responsive to sounds, textures, lights, or smells.
  • Cognitive and attention issues can range from intellectual disabilities to above-average intelligence. However, attention problems or difficulty focusing on tasks can also be present.
Children with autism syndrome. Mental development problems in children with genetic abnormalities

Pathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder

On a biological level, individuals with ASD often experience disruptions in brain connectivity and neuroinflammation. There is evidence of abnormalities in the microglia (the brain’s immune cells), which may lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD, with higher levels of free radicals damaging neurons and other brain cells. Additionally, inflammation in certain regions of the brain may interfere with synaptic signaling, impairing the processing of sensory information and hindering the development of social and communication skills.

Another factor contributing to ASD is impaired mitochondrial function, which affects cellular energy production. Mitochondria are responsible for producing the energy that our cells need to function, and dysfunction in these structures has been associated with cognitive and developmental disorders like autism. Many children with ASD show signs of mitochondrial dysfunction, which can lead to further complications such as low energy, muscle weakness, and difficulties with memory and learning.

How does HBOT help Autism? 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This increased oxygen exposure has been found to address several of the key pathological mechanisms associated with ASD, potentially leading to improvements in symptoms.

  1. Reducing neuroinflammation: HBOT has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce the elevated levels of inflammation observed in the brains of individuals with ASD.
  2. Decreasing oxidative stress: By increasing the body’s oxygen levels, HBOT can help to neutralize the harmful free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress.
  3. Improving cerebral blood flow and oxygenation: The pressurized environment of HBOT helps to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, addressing the hypoperfusion often seen in individuals with ASD. 
  4. Supporting mitochondrial function: HBOT has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function and even increase the number of mitochondria. This can potentially help to address the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with ASD. 

Scientific Evidence for HBOT in Treating Autism 

The growing research on HBOT and ASD is quite promising. In a 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Behavioural Neurology, the authors examined 10 studies involving a total of 389 participants with ASD. They found that HBOT “significantly improved the core symptoms of ASD, including social interaction, communication, and behavioral flexibility.”

Xiong, T., Chen, H., Luo, R., & Mu, D. (2016). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(10), Article CD010922. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010922.pub2

One of the studies included, 58 children with ASD were randomly assigned to receive either HBOT or a sham (placebo) treatment. The results, published in the journal BMC Pediatrics in 2009, showed that the children who received HBOT “had significant improvements in receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to the control group.”

Rossignol, D. A., Rossignol, L. W., Smith, S., Schneider, C., Logerquist, S., Usman, A., Neubrander, J., Madren, E. M., Hintz, G., Grushkin, B., & Mumper, E. A. (2009). Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics, 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-9-21

Another study, published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2016, followed 50 children with ASD who underwent HBOT treatment. The researchers found that the HBOT group “showed significant improvements in social interaction, communication, and behavioral flexibility compared to the control group.”

Sakulchit, T., Ladish, C., & Goldman, R. D. (2017). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. Canadian Family Physician, 63(6), 446–448.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5471082/

How Many HBOT Sessions for Autism Are Recommended at Dr. Fields’ Clinics?

While results vary from person to person, we generally recommend a series of 30-50 sessions of HBOT for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If needed, a parent can go into the chamber with their child and gain the benefits simultaneously. It is also possible to bring an iPad or phone into our chamber. Each session typically lasts 60-90 minutes, during which the person has an oxygen mask on. Many families notice gradual improvements over time, with some reporting significant gains in communication, behavior, and cognitive function.

It’s essential to note that when HBOT is used for ASD it is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.  This will be discussed on your first visit. For many families, combining HBOT with other therapies, such as cranial adjusting for CSF optimization, TMS therapy or chelation therapy for metal detoxification can amplify the benefits.  We have all of this available in our Los Gatos, California office. 

Many people report seeing positive changes within the first 10-20 sessions, with continued improvements throughout treatment. Some of the most commonly reported benefits include:

  • Enhanced social communication and interaction
  • Improved language and vocabulary
  • Reduced repetitive behaviors and increased behavioral flexibility
  • Better sensory processing and integration
  • Increased focus, attention, and cognitive function
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Overall improvements in quality of life and daily functioning

If you or a loved one are struggling with Autism Spectrum Disorder, don’t lose hope. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and other complementary therapies may be able to provide the relief and improvements you’ve been seeking. Contact Dr. Adam Fields’ offices in Los Gatos, California today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey.