Hyperbaric oxygen therapy applied to autism: from international studies to Italian experience

Journal title PNEI REVIEW
Author/s Roberto Vecchione, Nadia Picariello
Publishing Year 2017 Issue 2017/1
Language Italian Pages 13 P. 79-91 File size 1116 KB
DOI 10.3280/PNEI2017-001009
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Neuroimaging (PET, SPECT, fRMI, DTI) in autistic subjects showed that some cerebral areas, related to the clinical manifestations of these subjects, manifest abnormalities in both gray (hypoperfusion) and white matter (synaptic aberrations). We present the experience of our Hyperbaric Center, which initially has an observational character, has come to fruition with the publication of a study on IJCR magazine. Thirty children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) were subjected to HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and subsequently evaluated with standardized psychometric scales. Results: Improvements in the visual-motor skills, the receptive language, the "Shift"-cognitive, adaptive and behavior-related problems have emerged: irritability, social retreat, stereotypes, hyperactivity, inappropriate language, level of attention and of presence. Conclusions: HBOT has proven to be effective and safe.

Keywords: Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

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Roberto Vecchione, Nadia Picariello, L’ossigeno-terapia iperbarica applicata all’autismo: dagli studi internazionali all’esperienza italiana in "PNEI REVIEW" 1/2017, pp 79-91, DOI: 10.3280/PNEI2017-001009