Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and sensory processing in different ways from person to person. Families often explore many therapies and supports, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one of the options that has attracted interest and debate.

HBOT for autism is considered experimental. Research so far has involved relatively small studies with mixed results, and it is not an FDA-approved treatment for ASD. Some studies suggest possible changes in behavior, cognition, or inflammation markers, while others find little or no benefit. Taken together, the evidence is still limited and does not support HBOT as a proven or routine therapy for autism.

On this page, we collect and summarize HBOT–autism studies in plain language so that parents, caregivers, and clinicians can better understand what each study actually did, what it found, and where important questions remain. Our summaries highlight study design, strengths and weaknesses, and whether the results are exploratory or more robust.

These study summaries are intended for education only and are not medical advice. Decisions about HBOT or any other therapy for autism should always be made in partnership with qualified healthcare professionals who know the individual child’s situation and medical history.