New Therapy may Improve Autistic Behaviors in Children

A new therapy is being tested as a treatment for autism in children. The use of a decompression chamber with elevated levels of oxygen has shown marked improvements in many subjects.

The most recent study was held in six centers in the United States and treated 62 children all between the ages of two and seven, and all with autism. These children, chosen randomly, were assigned to either a hyperbaric treatment of 24% oxygen and increased atmospheric pressure of 1.3 atm or to a treatment of slightly pressurized room air (1.03 atm), the latter being the control group. Over the span of one month the children were treated in 40 one-hour sessions.

At the end of the study it was conclusive that the children treated with higher oxygen and pressure, showed significant improvements in social interaction, receptive language, eye contact, cognitive awareness and overall function when compared with the children in the control group. The theory behind the study involves the reduction of inflammation and increase in oxygen flow to the brain when under higher pressure. The study did not however, show whether the effects would be long-lasting.

Unfortunately, some see the study as inconclusive because oxygen has been used to treat other neurological conditions and symptoms, so the improved response could be a side effect of something else being treated not necessarily autism. Although not a cure, this $14-17,000 treatment could significantly improved the behaviors and quality of life of thousands of children with autism once it is determined which children respond the most to this new technique.


http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/9/21/abstract

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7940149.stm