A recently published article in BMC Pediatrics finds children with autism may benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (HBOT). The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled study compared children taking 40 hours of HBOT versus those receiving slightly pressurized room air. The study found significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness.

Rossignol, DA, et al. Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics 2009, 9:21.

We acknowledge the multitude of controversy between autism and vaccinations. This is truly a personal choice that needs research on both sides in order to make the most educated and comfortable decision. We are here to lend our knowledge base and offer some complementary treatments available, but understand this is not a specialty area at our office. There is a ton of material out there to research, but one of the more interesting finds this month was “The Age of Autism, Dan Olmstead.” He is a science writer, but rather than use others mainstream research, he chooses to do his own. We also provided some other sites below for further research and updates.

www.ageofautism.comwww.nvic.org/www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.htmwww.autism-society.orgwww.autism.com/www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-index.shtml