Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Children With Autism

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 1. Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will be safe to use with children with autism. 2. Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will have a statistically significant effect on the symptoms of autism. 3. Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will have a clinically significant observable effect on the overt symptoms of autism. 4. The decreases in the symptoms of autism will correlate positively with the number of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy sessions. 5. Treatment gains obtained from Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy will be maintained at follow-up, post 40 treatment sessions. SPECIFIC AIMS 1. Provide further evidence for the safety of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy in children with autism. 2. To quantitatively assess the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy on behavioral and cognitive symptoms of autism before, during, and after treatment. 3. Identify number of treatments required to reach therapeutic effects. 4. Identify the length and durability of treatment effect and maintenance.