HBOT AND AUTISM?
|
|---|
Autism cases have skyrocketed in the past decade and is now the third most prominent developmental condition of children today according to the MIND Institute and other expert researchers. While there remains considerable controversy in mainstream medicine about the etiology of autism (how it originates and manifests itself) there is clear quantitative diagnostic documentation that autism results in brain lesions that can be demonstrated through SPECT scanning by some experts .
Experts contend that these brain lesions can be reversible through HBOT and can result in improved health, better socialization, and faster responses to supportive therapies. (See Congressional Testimony Presentation (pdf) page 17 for a Before/After HBOT SPECT scan of an autistic child. Unfortunately, while HBOT for pediatric brain injuries and cerebral palsy have been heavily researched and documented, very little has been done to evaluate HBOT for autism. Thus, while some primary physicians are excited about the changes they have seen in children with autism who have had HBOT, no formal research documentation exists.
A number of freestanding HBOT facilities have observed that some children were able to gain speech (one word) within a week, and communicate in three word sentences within a couple of weeks. Most demonstrated improved social skills and developed the ability to interact with others during the block of HBOT sessions.
Some experts like DAN (Defeat Autism Now) and Dr. Bernard Rimland, recommend HBOT be administered after chelation therapies (if required to remove heavy toxic metals) in blocks of 20-40 one-hour sessions at the established neurological viable low pressure. Many experts have noted that this supports greater and faster improvements with ancillary behavioral therapies like ABA. (See Christian H.'s Testimony)
[