PURPOSE
The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the cognitive and behavioral effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy in children who present with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
HYPOTHESIS
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will be safe to use with children with autism.
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will have a statistically significant effect on the symptoms of autism.
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will have a clinically significant observable effect on the overt symptoms of autism.
- The decreases in the symptoms of autism will correlate positively with the number of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy sessions.
- Treatment gains obtained from Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will be maintained at follow-up, post 40 treatment sessions.
SPECIFIC AIMS
- Provide further evidence for the safety of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy in children with autism.
- To quantitatively assess the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy on behavioral and cognitive symptoms of autism before, during, and after treatment.
- Identify number of treatments required to reach therapeutic effects.
- Identify the length and durability of treatment effect and maintenance.