Hyberbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not the cure for autism. It may be, however, a way of ensuring the most complete recovery possible. HBOT is a very powerful and large piece of the autism puzzle. HBOT is generally considered the simplest, safest and most effective way known in the field of medicine to provide substantial extra oxygen support when needed.
At Ontario HBOT, we take a biomedical approach to the treatment of autism. This approach takes into consideration that autism can have some biological causes, such as heavy metal toxicity, pathogen (clostridia, candida, parasites, etc.) infections, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiency, etc. Scientific research is showing and parents are reporting that children with autism also have problems with the following:
- Digestion: Including food sensitivities – These can include; wheat, dairy and soy. Many parents see dramatic results by implementing restricted diets, such as gluten/casein free (GF/CF), specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), low-oxalate diet, etc.
- Toxic heavy metals: Analyses of the hair, urine and excrement of children often reveals significantly higher levels of toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic and particularly mercury.
- Antibiotics: Excessive use of antibiotics can cause gut problems, such as yeast/bacterial over growth, as well as prevent mercury excretion.
- Minerals: Our children tend to be deficient in minerals such as sulphur, zinc, magnesium, iodine, lithium and potassium.
- Environmental toxins: Daily exposure to environmental factors (chemicals, phosphates, synthetic additives, preservatives, pesticides, etc.) is also believed to contribute to autism and other behavioural problems.
By treating each of these issues, through diet and environmental modifications, individualized supplementation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy parents are seeing the symptoms of autism lessening.
Just a few things HBOT has shown to do:
- Increase circulating stem cells by eight-fold.
- Enhances the white blood cells ability to kill bacteria, candida and parasites.
- Clears toxins
- Helps the metabolic function of the brain, stimulating cerebral tissues, aiding in recovery of idling neurons.
- Improves immune function
- Stimulates brain & nerve cells
- Decreases swelling & inflammation
Below are some of the most common first-hand experiences we see at our centre with our children with autism:
- Decrease or elimination of Candida (yeast), clostridia (clostridium), and/or parasites.
- Increase in expressive communication – child is using words, using sentences, initiating conversation, ability to understand “who, what, when and where” questions.
- Increase in socialization – seeking out peers, wanting to be with the family.
- Better sleep habits.
- Better bathroom habits – no longer wearing pull-ups/diapers, finally potty trained, going to the bathroom regularly.
- Decrease/elimination of headaches.
- Able to take direction
- More sensory/cognitive awareness
- Increased social interaction – more relaxed and accepting of new people and places
- Increase in eye contact
- Beginning to communicate verbally
- Less falls and accidents
- Acknowledges siblings
- Responds appropriately to questions
- Acknowledges the family pet
- Plays with more toys
- Less sensitive to sounds
- Better bowel movements
- Better hand writing
- Increased appetite and more accepting of new foods
- HAPPY