Autisim

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder generally characterized by difficulty interacting and communicating with other people, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Symptom severity varies greatly across those with ASD, and not all individuals will show every symptom(1).

 

While the exact causes of ASD remain unclear, there is strong evidence that ASD involves decreased blood flow to certain brain regions, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction(2). Our therapies are proven to target these exact issues and may help effectively improve symptoms of ASD.

 

Extivita Therapies for Autisim:

Extivita Therapies for Autism:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Neurofeedback Therapy for Stroke

Neurofeedback

Supplements for Stroke

Supplements

Nutritional IV Therapy for Stroke

Nutritional IV Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Autism:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Chapel Hill

We recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for ASD due to its benefits for the immune system and blood flow(3-4). There have been several studies on the effects of HBOT for ASD, with many pointing to significant symptom improvement following HBOT(5-7).

One study found that HBOT significantly decreased markers of inflammation and resulted in improved motivation, speech, and cognitive awareness in children with ASD(5).

A more recent study also found that children with ASD improved in almost all categories of both the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) following 40 sessions of HBOT(7). Although further research is necessary, preliminary evidence points to HBOT as an extremely low-risk, effective therapy for those with ASD.

Effects of HBOT on Autisim:

Grows New Blood Vessels

New Blood Vessel Formation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, healing injured tissues that were unable to get nutrients and oxygen.
Increases Stem Cell Production

Increased Stem Cell Activity

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy mobilizes stem progenitor cells (SPCs) from the bone marrow, creating the opportunity for tissue regeneration.
Decreases Inflammation

Decreased Inflammation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces systemic inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory gene expression and decreasing proinflammatory genes.
Neurofeedback Therapy in Durham, NC

Neurofeedback for Autism:

We recommend neurofeedback therapy due to the abundance of evidence supporting its efficacy for those with ASD(8). Neurofeedback likely improves ASD symptoms by helping balance the abnormal brain wave activity that is consistently observed in those with ASD(9-11).

Neurofeedback protocols for ASD typically involve decreasing theta activity (4-7Hz) while increasing either low beta activity (12-15Hz) or mu activity (8-13Hz)(12-15). Most studies complete 40 neurofeedback sessions and have found improvements in executive functioning, verbal and nonverbal communication, sociability, repetitive behaviors, imitation, sustained attention, and more(12-15). Lastly, a recent study found that these improvements were still present 12 months after ending neurofeedback therapy(15).

IV Therapy for Autism:

We recommend our Myer’s Cocktail IV and glutathione IV for those with ASD. There is robust evidence that oxidative stress is significantly elevated in ASD(16-17). Both the Myer’s Cocktail and glutathione are powerful antioxidant IVs that effectively reduce oxidative stress and its subsequent cellular damage(18-19). Additionally, low glutathione levels have repeatedly been found in those with ASD, suggesting the need for additional sources such as glutathione infusions(16). Overall, our Myer’s Cocktail and glutathione IVs are ideal for reducing cellular dysfunction in those with ASD.

Nutritional IV Therapy in Durham, NC

News & Research for Autism:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased the need for evidence-based treatments to lessen the impact of symptoms. Presently, no therapies are available to effectively treat individuals with all of the symptoms of this disorder. It has been suggested that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may alleviate the biochemical dysfunction and clinical symptoms of ASD. To determine whether treatment with hyperbaric oxygen:1. improves core symptoms of ASD, including social communication problems and stereotypical and repetitive behaviors;2. improves noncore symptoms of ASD, such as challenging behaviors;3. improves comorbid states, such as depression and anxiety; and4. causes adverse effects.

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders: an evidence-based systematic review

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common disorder that has a complex and heterogeneous etiology. Some evidence suggests that inflammation and oxidative stress may have a pathophysiological link. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as a possible therapy. Because HBOT is an expensive treatment with significant commercial opportunity, it is essential for it to have a research evidence base prior to widespread use. To conduct a systematic review of the literature evaluating the clinical impact of HBOT on behavior and development in ASD with a view to inform practice.
Methods A literature search of electronic scientific databases focusing on clinical outcomes of HBOT in ASD was performed. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were independently assessed by reviewers and were classified according to the American Academy of Neurology Guidelines. Recommendations were made based on the evidence.

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Using hyperbaric oxygen for autism treatment: A review and discussion of literature.

To determine whether hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy should be used for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library and DynaMed for studies evaluating the use of HBO2 for ASD treatment. The studies were then reviewed for the highest quality evidence. The evidence is weak for the use of HBO2 in ASD, with only one, likely flawed, randomized control study showing treatment benefit. HBO2 should not be recommended for ASD treatment until more conclusive favorable results and long-term outcomes are demonstrated from well-designed controlled trials.

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References
  1. NIMH » Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml. Accessed 25 Mar. 2021.
  2. Rossignol, Daniel A., and Richard E. Frye. “Evidence Linking Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Inflammation in the Brain of Individuals with Autism.” Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 5, Frontiers, 2014. Frontiers, doi:10.3389/fphys.2014.00150.
  3. Rossignol, Daniel A., et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Medical Gas Research, vol. 2, no. 1, June 2012, p. 16. PubMed, doi:10.1186/2045-9912-2-16.
  4. Rossignol, Daniel A., et al. “The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Symptoms in Children with Autism: An Open-Label Pilot Study.” BMC Pediatrics, vol. 7, Nov. 2007, p. 36. PubMed, doi:10.1186/1471-2431-7-36.
  5. A, Kostiukow, and Samborski W. “The Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski : Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego, vol. 48, no. 283, Feb. 2020, pp. 15–18.
  6. Wang, Jun, et al. “Resting State EEG Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, vol. 5, no. 1, Sept. 2013, p. 24. Springer Link, doi:10.1186/1866-1955-5-24.
  7. Stroganova, Tatiana A., et al. “Abnormal EEG Lateralization in Boys with Autism.” Clinical Neurophysiology, vol. 118, no. 8, Aug. 2007, pp. 1842–54. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2007.05.005.
  8. Burnette, Courtney P., et al. “Anterior EEG Asymmetry and the Modifier Model of Autism.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 41, no. 8, Aug. 2011, pp. 1113–24. DOI.org (Crossref), doi:10.1007/s10803-010-1138-0.
  9. van Hoogdalem, Lothar E., et al. “The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Therapy as an Alternative Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Psychophysiology, Hogrefe Publishing, 2020, p. No Pagination Specified-No Pagination Specified. APA PsycNET, doi:10.1027/0269-8803/a000265.
  10. Kouijzer, Mirjam E. J., et al. “Neurofeedback Treatment in Autism. Preliminary Findings in Behavioral, Cognitive, and Neurophysiological Functioning.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, vol. 4, no. 3, July 2010, pp. 386–99. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2009.10.007.
  11. Kouijzer, Mirjam E. J., et al. “Neurofeedback Improves Executive Functioning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2009, pp. 145–62. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2008.05.001.
  12. Pineda, J. A., et al. “Positive Behavioral and Electrophysiological Changes Following Neurofeedback Training in Children with Autism.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, vol. 2, no. 3, July 2008, pp. 557–81. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2007.12.003.
  13. Datko, Michael, et al. “Positive Effects of Neurofeedback on Autism Symptoms Correlate with Brain Activation during Imitation and Observation.” European Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 47, no. 6, 2018, pp. 579–91. Wiley Online Library, doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.13551.
  14. Kouijzer, Mirjam E. J., et al. “Long-Term Effects of Neurofeedback Treatment in Autism.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, vol. 3, no. 2, Apr. 2009, pp. 496–501. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2008.10.003.
  15. Adams, James B., et al. “Nutritional and Metabolic Status of Children with Autism vs. Neurotypical Children, and the Association with Autism Severity.” Nutrition & Metabolism, vol. 8, no. 1, June 2011, p. 34. PubMed, doi:10.1186/1743-7075-8-34.
  16. Essa, M. M., et al. “Excitotoxicity in the Pathogenesis of Autism.” Neurotoxicity Research, vol. 23, no. 4, May 2013, pp. 393–400. PubMed, doi:10.1007/s12640-012-9354-3.
  17. Carr, Anitra C., and Silvia Maggini. “Vitamin C and Immune Function.” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 11, Nov. 2017. PubMed Central, doi:10.3390/nu9111211.
  18. Forman, Henry Jay, et al. “Glutathione: Overview of Its Protective Roles, Measurement, and Biosynthesis.” Molecular Aspects of Medicine, vol. 30, no. 1–2, Apr. 2009, pp. 1–12. PubMed, doi:10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006.