Study Finds Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Ineffective Treatment ForChildren With Autism

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Re-posting

From Shafer Autism Report Wed Nov 11, 2009

RESEARCH

Study Finds Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Ineffective Treatment For Children

With Autism

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Research conducted by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders,

Inc. (CARD), shines new light on the effects of a popular form of hyperbaric

oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment for children with autism and related

disorders. The " Randomized Trial of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Children

with Autism " study reveals that HBOT, consisting of 24% oxygen delivered at

1.3 atmospheres of pressure, does not have a significant effect on symptoms

of autism. This study was led by Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D;

Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D; Dennis R. Dixon, PhD; Arthur E. Wilke; S.

, PsyD; and Bradstreet, MD, MD (H), FAAFP. It is

published in the current issue of Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are characterized by the presence of

impaired development in social interaction and communication and the

presence of a restricted repertoire of activity and interests. While

numerous treatments for ASDs have been proposed, very few have been

subjected to rigorous scientific investigation.

HBOT has been recently popularized as a treatment for the symptoms of

ASDs. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that HBOT would

have a beneficial effect on ASD symptoms in the context of a double-blind

placebo-controlled trial.

This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial compared HBOT

used to deliver 24% oxygen at 1.3 atmospheric pressure (n = 18) to placebo

(n = 16) in children with Autistic Disorder. Both direct observational

measures of behaviors symptomatic of autism and standardized psychological

assessments were used to evaluate the effects of the treatment.

CARD researchers found no differences between HBOT and placebo groups

across any of the outcome measures. The present study demonstrates that HBOT

delivered at 24% oxygen at 1.3 atmospheric pressure does not result in a

clinically significant improvement in the symptoms of Autistic Disorder.

In addition, CARD maintains a reputation as one of the world's largest

and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with

autism, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the

principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized

treatment plans for children worldwide

Source: Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc

Original article posted on Medical News Today.