There are several controversies on the possible benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for autism. In this article, we would look at some of the common claims and what they actually mean for people who are interested in the therapeutic benefits of HBOT for autism.

Overview of autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. ASD encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment, leading to the term “spectrum.” Symptoms typically manifest in early childhood, often before the age of three, and can persist throughout a person’s lifetime.

Individuals with autism may exhibit a diverse array of behaviors and abilities, ranging from profound intellectual disability to exceptional talent in specific areas. Common features of autism include difficulty understanding social cues, challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, repetitive movements or speech patterns, sensory sensitivities, and insistence on sameness or routines.

The causes of autism remain complex and not entirely understood, likely involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Early intervention, including behavioral therapies, educational support, and specialized interventions, can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with autism, helping them to develop essential skills, adapt to social settings, and lead fulfilling lives.

Does Hyperbaric chamber work for autism?

This is quite a subject of major debate between scientists and proponents of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Despite the potential benefits of hyperbaric chamber therapy (HBOT) for various medical conditions, including its promising effects on tissue oxygenation and healing, current scientific evidence does not support its efficacy as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Numerous case series and randomized controlled trials have been conducted to investigate the potential benefits of HBOT for children with ASD, yet the findings consistently fail to demonstrate significant improvements in core symptoms or overall functioning.

These studies, which have been conducted over several years, have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of HBOT for ASD. Case series involving small groups of participants have yielded mixed results, with some reporting modest improvements in certain symptoms, such as social interaction and communication, while others show no significant changes. However, the limitations of these studies, including small sample sizes, lack of standardized outcome measures, and variability in treatment protocols, make it challenging to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of HBOT for ASD based solely on case series.

On the other hand, proponents of HBOT believe the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at 1.3 atmospheres absolute (atm) with 24% oxygen concentration may be a potential intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This specific protocol involves exposing individuals to increased atmospheric pressure while breathing a mixture of oxygen, which is believed to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues and promote various physiological effects that may benefit individuals with ASD.

HBOT at 1.3 atm/24% oxygen may have positive effects on children with ASD, including a reduction in repetitive behaviors. Repetitive behaviors are a hallmark feature of ASD, characterized by the repetitive and stereotypical actions or movements that individuals with ASD may engage in, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating words or phrases.

The rationale behind using HBOT to target repetitive behaviors in ASD lies in its potential to modulate neural activity, reduce inflammation, and improve oxygenation in the brain. By providing increased oxygen levels to neural tissues, HBOT may help regulate neurotransmitter function, promote neuroplasticity, and mitigate underlying physiological factors contributing to repetitive behaviors in ASD.

Benefits of Hyperbaric chamber for autism

While scientists are still determining the possible link between HBOT and autism, here are some therapeutic benefits of HBOT that may benefit people with autism.

1. Reduction of Repetitive Behaviors: Some proponents suggest that HBOT may help reduce repetitive behaviors commonly observed in individuals with autism, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or repetitive vocalizations.
2. Improvement in Social Interaction: HBOT has been proposed to enhance social interaction skills in individuals with autism. By improving oxygenation and promoting neural functioning, HBOT may support the development of social communication and interaction abilities.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Functioning: There is speculation that HBOT may have positive effects on cognitive functioning in individuals with autism, potentially leading to improvements in areas such as attention, memory, and learning abilities.
4. Reduced Sensory Sensitivities: Sensory sensitivities are common among individuals with autism, leading to challenges in processing sensory information. HBOT may help alleviate sensory sensitivities by modulating neural activity and reducing sensory overload.
5. Promotion of Neuroplasticity: HBOT is thought to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. By enhancing oxygen delivery to the brain, HBOT may support the brain’s ability to adapt and change, potentially leading to improvements in various cognitive and behavioral domains.
6. Mitigation of Inflammation: Some researchers hypothesize that HBOT may help mitigate inflammation in the brain, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism. By reducing inflammation, HBOT may alleviate some of the neurological symptoms associated with autism.
7. Support for Gastrointestinal Health: Many individuals with autism experience gastrointestinal issues, and HBOT may help improve gut health by increasing oxygenation and promoting healing in the gastrointestinal tract.

Side effects of Hyperbaric chamber for autism

While hyperbaric chamber therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects and risks associated with its use for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These side effects may include:

1. Barotrauma: HBOT involves exposure to increased atmospheric pressure, which can lead to barotrauma or pressure-related injuries. Barotrauma may affect the ears, sinuses, and lungs, causing symptoms such as ear pain, sinus discomfort, or even more serious complications like pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
2. Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing high concentrations of oxygen under pressure can result in oxygen toxicity, which may manifest as symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, or visual changes. Individuals undergoing HBOT may be at risk of oxygen toxicity, especially with prolonged or high-pressure treatments.
3. Claustrophobia: Some individuals with autism may experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety while inside the hyperbaric chamber, particularly if they are prone to sensory sensitivities or have difficulties with new environments or routines. This may lead to discomfort or distress during HBOT sessions.
4. Hypoglycemia: HBOT sessions can occasionally cause drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), particularly in individuals with diabetes or those who are fasting. Monitoring blood glucose levels and adjusting insulin or glucose intake as needed can help mitigate this risk during HBOT treatments.
5. Sinus or Pulmonary Congestion: The increased pressure experienced during HBOT sessions may cause sinus or pulmonary congestion in susceptible individuals, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
6. Discomfort or Restlessness: Some individuals with autism may experience discomfort or restlessness during HBOT sessions, particularly if they have difficulties with sitting still, following instructions, or tolerating sensory stimuli. Strategies to promote comfort and relaxation may be necessary to enhance the overall experience.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5471082/

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