Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Hyperbaric Oxygen for Autism in the News |
Autism Spectrum Disorder has been growing in prevalence in the developed world in the last few decades. What used to be a rare condition affecting 1 in 10,000 people, ASD in its many forms, is now afflicting approximately 1 in 100 children. While there are many theories as to the cause of Autism, we prefer to let the professional dialogue continue to shed light on the issue. All theories and opinions need appropriate consideration and research funding, as this condition is approaching near epidemic levels.
How can HBOT help in the treatment of ASD?
Typical treatment protocolHBOT is considered an adjunctive treatment for ASD. It is strongly recommended that other treatment modalities be included before, during and/or after a HBOT treatment block unless it is imperitive that documentation of improvement is necessary.
A treatment block is usually 40 1-hour treatments in a condensed period of time. Most studies use a "5-day on, 2-day off" weekly plan involving either one or two treatments per day. This translates to either a 4-week or 8-week treatment block duration. Some families choose to do multiple blocks of treatment, these are usually separated by a minimum of 1-2 months without HBOT. The treatment pressures used do not exceed 1.5 Atmospheres for Autistic children. Oxygen is typically delivered through a hood tent, with a latex neck seal cut to a comfortable size. With some coaching and the establishment of a routine the treatment is exceptionally well tolerated - after the first or second treatment. |
Autism Treatment Pricing
We understand that parents of children on the Autism spectrum are already stretched to financial limits. Unfortunately, Autism treatment funding from the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development cannot be applied towards HBOT. Also, we care deeply about children. We offer the best pricing in the industry for families who choose to pursue this treatment option for their children. A block of 40 treatments will cost $3200 plus GST at Oceanside Hyperbaric. Additionally, care givers who attend the child in the chamber have the option of also going on oxygen to receive the benefit of 40 hyperbaric treatments at 1.5 ATA at no additional cost. This is a savings of over 35% off our regular pricing. Feel free to shop around. We would be surprised to find a better price anywhere.
Autism Researchers, Doctors and Organizations that Support HBOT for Autism
ACAM - American College for the Advancement of Medicine
The American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) is the premier North American society of health care professionals specializing in education, mentorship and certification in alternative, complimentary and Integrative medicine practices. Professional membership is open to Medical Doctors (MDs), Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) and Naturopathic Doctors (NDs.) Affiliate and Associate membership is available to various professionals holding PHD and Master's level degrees. ACAM has promoted a multidisciplinary treatment approach to Autism, including biochemical treatment, IV chelation detoxification and HBOT.
Educational conferences are put on for members and many of these seminars can be purchased in audio format. Our facility has a 2010 Autism audio seminar in our library for interested parties. The organization also has a MP3 lecture podcast that covers a wide array of topics. You will require iTunes to listen to these audio presentations.
For people cannot or will not be able to use iTunes you may listen to selected lectures linked here below:
Educational conferences are put on for members and many of these seminars can be purchased in audio format. Our facility has a 2010 Autism audio seminar in our library for interested parties. The organization also has a MP3 lecture podcast that covers a wide array of topics. You will require iTunes to listen to these audio presentations.
For people cannot or will not be able to use iTunes you may listen to selected lectures linked here below:
Dr. Paul Harch, MD is the premier North American HBOT researcher, practitioner, educator and author of 'Oxygen Revolution.' This technical lecture is most suitable for health care professionals. It briefly mentions Autism. Lecture begins at 9:45.
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Dr. Julie Buckley, MD a pediatrician and parent of an autistic child who utilizes HBOT in her practice. She has authored a book titled, 'Healing our Autistic Children.' This technical lecture is suitable for health care professionals and can be useful to parents.
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Dr. Paul Harch, MD
Dr. Paul Harch, MD is arguably North America's leading hyperbaric physician. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the field, he has been instrumental in the acceptance of new and investigational indications by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and is published both in the literary and scholarly arena. The new edition of his book 'Oxygen Revolution' has been updated with information on Autism and can be purchased at our facility for $20, taxes included.
Visit the Autism section of Dr. Harch's website, www.hbot.com, to view:
Visit the Autism section of Dr. Harch's website, www.hbot.com, to view:
- a video detailing how Dr. Harch could be the first to treat Autism in North America
- an Autism One radio interview transcript including a discussion on Autism
- a summary chart of the adjunctive role of HBOT for Autism
- an autistic case study including brain function scans (SPECT)
- an incredible story of a North Carolina family having HBOT treatment covered by insurance
- a 2008 Thai study on 7 autistic children
Dr. Dan Rossignol, MD, MD
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Dr. Dan Rossignol, MD, father of two autistic children, specializes in the treatment of Autism. Dr. Rossignol is a prolific researcher who has written several articles on HBOT for Autism. His website contains links to a variety of technical scientific publications. Two of these are HBOT studies on Autistic children:
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Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD
Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD is the founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, California, USA. Dr. Whitaker has authored numerous books and lectures about natural healing. He also has a line of nutritional supplements that can be found in some health food stores. A video on his website boasts of having the largest hyperbaric treatment department in the USA, treating 70 to 80 patients a day. Visit the Autism section of the The Whitaker Wellness Institute website to see how Dr. Whitaker incorporates hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of Autism
Dr. Daniel Amen, MD
Dr. Daniel Amen, MD is the founder of the Amen Clinics and author of many books and lectures. His website, www.amenclinics.com, also sells a line of supplements. Dr. Amen specializes in using SPECT functional brain scanning in his practice, a diagnositic test that has been used in HBOT research to show brain function improvements. In this video, Dr. Amen discusses how a brain scan of an autistic individual can provide some useful information in planning a treatment strategy, however it is most often used to document change in a treatment intervention. Visit the Autism section of the Amen Clincs website to learn more about their Autism treament strategy.
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) vs Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) is a treatment that better resembles compressed air therapy than hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT.) Small, relatively affordable, bag chambers are used to administer mHBOT. These are inflatable fabric containers that are combined with an oxygen concentrator to subtly enhance the oxygen concentration of the air in the bag from 21% to approximately 24%. The pressures attained in bag chambers cannot exceed 1.3 ATA. Many mHBOT providers inappropriately site hard chamber HBOT research to justify the use of soft chambers, even though they are nowhere near the pressure or oxygen concentration. The rationale for their use, includes the ease and relative affordability of the outright purchasing of a home-based chamber, when compared to a hard HBOT chamber, but also the ability to have repeated series of treatments without having to pay for them individually. Since these chambers have become quite prolific, there are positive research studies on their effectiveness for certain conditions, particularly neurological conditions in children. For instance, Dr. Rossignol's research included both mHBOT and HBOT treatment protocols. While there is considerable debate about which is better, the general consensus is that the safety and effectiveness of HBOT is greater than that of mHBOT for autism. Also, mHBOT is better than no HBOT.
While many people have been helped by bag chambers and they are safest when operated by trained individuals, unfortunately, some families have had bad experiences with the use of soft chambers. It is worthwhile to research their experiences before you make your decision on which way to go. See Robert Denver's twitter page for his experiences and opinions.
While many people have been helped by bag chambers and they are safest when operated by trained individuals, unfortunately, some families have had bad experiences with the use of soft chambers. It is worthwhile to research their experiences before you make your decision on which way to go. See Robert Denver's twitter page for his experiences and opinions.