Primary Outcome Measures:
- Direct Behavioral Observations
- The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales: Expanded Edition (VABS)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT)
- Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (TVPS)
- The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
- The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF)
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- Aberrant Behavior Checklist
- Clinical Global Impression Scale
Positive treatment effects of HBOT have been reported in a number of studies, while others have found no demonstrable effect. Studies to date have evaluated effects on a variety of conditions, and utilized diverse research methods and generally await replication. Despite its increasing usage in children with autism, and the preliminary anecdotal reports indicating positive outcome, there is a paucity of well-controlled studies of HBOT in this population, which precludes clinicians from recommending and/or implementing it as an evidence-based treatment. It is clearly important therefore, to evaluate carefully the treatment effects of HBOT using robust research designs in this population.
Hypotheses
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will be associated with a positive effect on symptoms of autism.
- Treatment gains obtained from Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will be maintained at follow-up.
Specific Aims
- Evaluate the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy on behavioral and cognitive symptoms of autism before, during, and after treatment.
- Determine the percentage of children with autism who respond positively to 80 HBOT treatment cycles and the extent to which they do so.
- Determine the extent to which any observed treatment effects are maintained up to three months after HBOT.
Study duration: Two weeks baseline, 10-15 week acute phase, with 1- and 3-month follow-ups.
All participants will spend one hour per session in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 sessions per week. A total of 80 cycles of one hour compressions must be completed within 15 weeks for all participants
Treatment Group: Pressure and Frequency
- 1.3 atmosphere absolute (ATA)
- 24% oxygen
- One session = 1 hour
- Total of 80 cycles of one hour compressions must be completed within 15 weeks.
Placebo Group: Pressure and Frequency
- Close to ambient air pressure, but the chamber needs enough pressure to inflate: 1.05 to 1.1 atmosphere absolute (ATA)
- Room Air
- One session = 1 hour
- Total of 80 cycles of one hour compressions must be completed within 15 weeks.