Approximately 1.8% of children in the US have a diagnosis of autism, a rate that has more than doubled over the past two decades. In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nearly 1 in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are diagnosed with autism. People of all races and socioeconomic groups are impacted by the disorder. Due to that increase, more and more parents have turned to alternative forms of treatments to counteract the underlying symptoms of autism.

Traditional medicines and treatments have often failed at producing desired results for many patients with autism and their families. However, studies have demonstrated hyperbaric therapy as an emerging treatment that parents and physicians are utilizing to help ameliorate the effects of ASD.

This non-invasive treatment is as simple as a one-hour daily session, where the parent and child enter a hyperbaric chamber and receive increased levels of oxygen. Hyperbaric therapy has been shown to decrease inflammation and improve cognitive functions, which have substantially helped thousands of ASD patients.

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Pressure 1.3 – 1.5 ATA (low-pressure “mild” HBOT is most common in ASD)

Session Length 45–60 minutes per session

PROTOCOL

Frequency: 3–5 sessions per week

Suggested Course: Usually 8–12 weeks per protocol round

Total Sessions: 40 is typical (20 minimum to gauge response; some children do 60–80)

Setting: Calm, parent-friendly environment; we allow child to bring comfort objects, watch calming videos, or listen to soft music. Parents are welcome to join their child in the Hyperbaric Chamber at no additional cost.

Red Light Therapy (RLT) before Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be helpful because it primes the body’s cells and circulation, making them more receptive to the oxygen boost that comes in HBOT. Also it is used to calm neuroinflammation, support mitochondrial function, and reduce anxiety.

RLT duration before HBOT: 10–15 minutes full body, or 5–10 minutes targeted.

Frequency: 2–3x per week or combined with HBOT days

Timing: Ideally right before the HBOT session so vasodilation and mitochondrial activation are at peak.

Wavelengths:
660 nm (red) for skin, gut-brain barrier
850 nm (near-infrared) for deeper penetration into brain tissue

Note:
Avoid eye exposure—use eye shields

Here’s why we use RLT before HBOT:

1. Increases Blood Flow Before Oxygen Loading

2. Stimulates Mitochondrial Energy Production

3. Reduces Pre-existing Inflammation

4. Enhances Nitric Oxide (NO) Release

5. Prepares the Nervous System- Relaxing

Sample Weekly Schedule

Monday
Red light 10 min frontal cortex → 60 min HBOT

Wednesday
HBOT only 60 min

Friday
Red light 10 min frontal cortex → 60 min HBOT

optional- add one more HBOT only session

HBOT

• Active sinus/ear barotrauma

• Untreated pneumothorax

• Uncontrolled seizures

RLT:

• Photosensitive conditions (e.g., lupus, certain meds)

• Pregnancy (NIR generally not recommended without MD clearance)

Sensory sensitivity: dim lighting, noise control, warm environment

Routine importance: sessions at consistent times help compliance

Parent involvement: allow parent to sit near or inside the chamber

Behavioral tracking: keep a journal/log of behaviors, sleep, speech, etc.

Contraindications: uncontrolled seizures, respiratory infections, claustrophobia (mild), photosensitive conditions

Pre-Session Recommendations

1. Light, balanced meal 1–2 hours prior

2. No alcohol or heavy caffeine same day

3. Hydration encouraged

4. Ear clearing check

Do not use if you have any of the following:

1. Uncontrolled seizure disorders

2. Active upper respiratory infections or sinus congestion

3. Uncontrolled hypertension

4. Untreated pneumothorax

5. Claustrophobia (without desensitization or sedation)