When you have a child on the autism spectrum, it’s only natural to keep an eye out for therapies that might bring some comfort, progress, or support. Traditional approaches like behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are widely used.
However, many of you may find yourselves becoming curious about newer, alternative treatments that claim to help. One of those is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), also commonly known as hyperbaric chamber therapy.
If you have heard about it already or come across it in parent forums, you might be wondering if this new autism treatment is actually worth exploring.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric chambers are special, pressurized rooms or capsules where you can breathe in pure oxygen. Normally, the air we breathe contains 21% oxygen. In a hyperbaric chamber, the oxygen levels are higher. Because of the increased pressure, more oxygen can dissolve into the blood and reach different parts of the body.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used for decades in medical settings. It’s FDA-approved for treating things like decompression sickness (divers), carbon monoxide poisoning, and even wounds that are having a hard time healing. However, in more recent years, parents and practitioners are looking at this therapy as a treatment that can help children with autism, too.
Why Families Are Curious About HBOT as an Autism Treatment
The whole idea behind this therapy and how it can benefit autism has to do with the way oxygen affects the body. Many supporters of this treatment believe that extra oxygen may reduce brain inflammation, improve oxygen circulation, possibly support better brain function, and the calming environment in the chamber can help with relaxation.
Some small studies and reports are suggesting improvements in attention, behavior, and language in children with autism. Parents also sometimes share stories about how they have noticed their child becoming calmer, more focused, and showing better communication after their hyperbaric chamber autism sessions.
You have to remember, though, that the research is still limited but ongoing, and some children may show improvements while others may not.
What to Consider Before Trying This New Therapy
If you’re curious about hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a new autism treatment, there are some things you will want to keep in mind.
- Cost: These sessions can be expensive, and insurance doesn’t usually cover them for autism
- Time Commitment: Many families end up needing multiple sessions to see any changes
- Safety: HBOT is generally safe under medical supervision, but there could also be mild side effects like ear pressure or fatigue.
- Professional Guidance: You should always consult with your child’s doctor or autism specialist before you start. They can help you uncover the potential benefits and risks.
What Does a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session Look Like?
If you’re trying to imagine what hyperbaric chamber therapy might feel like, think of it like a cozy, enclosed space where your child can sit or lie down while breathing in pure oxygen. Some chambers look like small capsules, while others are much bigger and allow a parent to sit inside with them.
Typical sessions can last anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. Your child might be able to watch a video, listen to some music, or just take the time to relax. If your child tends to get nervous in small spaces, you can help prepare them ahead of time with social stories or even practice sessions. Just make sure they know what to expect.
Try Taking a Balanced Approach
New autism treatments like HBOT can be good, especially when you read positive reviews and information from others who have tried before you. But, even in the face of this kind of positivity, you also need to be sure to balance that hope with caution.
How can you do this? Try combining new therapies like HBOT with more established ones like ABA, speech, or occupational therapy. And then, make sure to keep track of your child’s progress in a journal every time you try something new. That way, you can see what is working and where you and your child’s autism care team might need to pivot.
Connect with other parents in autism support groups to hear about their experiences, and stay up to date on all new research, as the studies are ongoing.
Finding the Right Support for Your Family
Could hyperbaric chamber therapy be the next new autism treatment? While it isn’t a simple yes or no answer yet, some families just like yours are seeing encouraging results. Move forward carefully with medical guidance and realistic expectations if you choose to dig deeper into what this therapy has to offer your child.
For now, HBOT remains an alternative option, rather than a guaranteed solution. But it might be worth exploring if your family is open to trying new approaches alongside the traditional therapies you’re already using.
At the end of the day, no two autistic children are the same. So, what really matters is finding the right combination of therapies while providing all the love and support your child needs.
