The Robert M. Lombard Hyperbaric Oxygenation Medical Center, Inc.

Autism
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Autism is a disorder of the developing brain that appears in early childhood. It is estimated to affect 1 in every 150 American 8-year-old children and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.  It can result in a severe developmental disability. Children with autism have difficulties in social interaction and communication and may show repetitive behaviors or injure themselves, have limited or no perception of danger, reject cuddling, resist change, and/or have unusual attachments to objects or routines.

 

Autism has a strong genetic component, and in some families, autism tends to be more prevalent. In identical twins with autism, both are usually affected. In the Autism Consortium study, researchers found a rare genetic variation on chromosome 16 that raises the risk of developing autism. Researchers estimate that the gene variation may account for 1 percent of autism cases, while 10 percent of total cases have a different known genetic cause. However, the number of children with autism appears to be increasing more than expected for a genetic disorder. This suggests to scientists that genetic abnormalities require the influence of other factors to cause the disorder. Birth complications, environmental concerns, toxins, diet, viruses or other pathogens have been suggested. There is no strong evidence for any of these at this time. Research into the causes of autism is ongoing. 

 

People with autism feature immune system activation and ongoing inflammation in the brain, produced by cells known as microglia and astroglia. When researchers measured brain levels of immune system proteins called cytokines and chemokines, they found abnormal patterns consistent with inflammation, but findings indicate that they are part of the 'innate' immune system, and do not appear to be caused by immune abnormalities from outside the brain. Scientists do not yet know whether this inflammation is beneficial or harmful to the developing brain. Recent research has also discovered that some autistic individuals have decreased cerebral perfusion (blood flow) and increased evidence of oxidative stress. This hypoperfusion was to several areas of the brain, such as the temporal regions and areas specifically related to language. Studies showing diminished blood flow to these areas correlates with autistic behaviors including repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors, impairments in communication, sensory perception and social interaction. 

 

Hyperbaric Oxygenation is an adjunct therapy used to treat autistic behaviors at any age level. 

 

 A study conducted by Trish Planck in Reno NV, found hyperbaric oxygenation to be a possible benefit in the treatment of Autism:

 

One to two daily treatments, five consecutive days per week for a total of 40 treatments were administered, with weekends off.

 

The study’s subjective findings showed:  

 

·    Global reduction in aggressive behavior

·    Substantial decrease in tendency to rage or exhibit tantrums

·    Easier to engage when the parent wished to initiate communication

·    Marked improvement of direct eye contact

·    Displayed higher achievement with better performance and less instruction in classroom assignment

·    Improved understanding verbal commands

·    Reasoning abilities were noticeably enhanced

  

 

Suggested Treatment Schedule:

 

One to two daily treatments, five days/week for a total of 30-40 treatments is the usual base protocol, with booster sessions as needed. Individual responses vary.

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References: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (statistical estimate)

Ref: Autism Consortium and the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange January 9, 2008; www.nejm.org, 10.1056/NEJMoa075974,

Ref: Annals of Neurology, November 15, 2004; Carlos A. Pardo-Villamizar, M.D. :The researchers found strong evidence that certain immune system components that promote inflammation are consistently activated in people with autism.

Ref: health.dailynewscentral.com article contributed by Ron Gara 11/15/04

Ref: News.bbc.co.uk: Brain inflammation link to Autism

Ref: Daniel A. Rossignol, Lanier W. Rossignol, March 22, 2006: Research shows decrease in cerebral perfusion and cerebral hypoperfusion

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Testimonials

Dylan is still doing great.  He has made so much progress over the past few months. 

 

-He spoke to another little boy in the hallway while waiting for the bathroom!  He never would have done that before this summer. 

 

-He came home and told me about the fire drill!!! Last year I tried so many times to get him to tell me about his day.  He said it was loud and scary and hurt his ears.  But he didn't get upset about it like he did last year!! 

 

-He is playing with his little brother.  "Come on D.  Let's play the fall down game.  Come on.  Say yes."

 

-He is riding his bike and wanting to play outside.  Last year all he wanted to do was watch tv, and I had to fight to get him outside for 5 minutes.  We played tennis yesterday for 20 minutes!! And he was really playing and talking the whole time!

 

-He can sit at the dinner table now and we eat together.  Last year he would only eat in front of the TV.

 

-He is rarely "shutting down" in school.  Last year he did not join in the group speech activities.  This year, he is singing and clapping with everyone else.  No tantrums at school assemblies.

 

-We took Dominic to karate and Dylan waited patiently and played with some toys in the waiting room.  No tantrum!!!

He's even beginning to make jokes! 

These are just a few things.

 

I think it is important to use liver support and chelation things at the same time (as HBOT).

 

Dylan is truly doing remarkably!

 

M. C

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