Parents of children on the autism spectrum often ask whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can support their child’s progress. Several studies published between 2023 and 2025 have measured its effects with standard evaluation tools.
The published research reports measurable gains. A 2023 clinical trial in children aged 5 to 8 compared 40 HBOT sessions with risperidone and with placebo: the HBOT group improved more on communication, social interaction and hyperactivity than either of the other two. A 2025 systematic analysis found consistent, statistically significant gains on the ATEC and CARS scales. In a 2024 family survey, over 87 % of parents reported improvement after 40 sessions. Current international guidance recommends 40 to 80 sessions, adapted to each child, and the studies describe HBOT as well tolerated, with rare and mild side effects.
The studies, the mechanism, the family reports and the protocol follow.
What do the studies show?
Three recent publications measure HBOT in children and adolescents on the spectrum.
| Year | Study | Population | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Clinical trial, 40 HBOT sessions compared with risperidone and placebo | Children aged 5 to 8 | Larger improvements with HBOT on communication, social interaction and hyperactivity |
| 2024 | Descriptive study published in Cureus, survey of dozens of families | Children after 40 sessions | Over 87 % of parents report “somewhat” or “much” improvement |
| 2025 | Systematic analysis | Children and adolescents | Statistically significant gains on ATEC and CARS, in sociability, cognitive awareness and adaptive behaviour |
In the 2023 trial, risperidone is a medication commonly prescribed in autism; HBOT outperformed it and the placebo on the autism rating measures. The 2025 analysis adds that the gains on the ATEC and CARS scales were documented by clinicians and parents alike.
How does HBOT act on the brain?
HBOT delivers oxygen to the body’s tissues and the brain at increased pressure. In the studies, this reduces neuroinflammation, improves regional blood flow and helps brain cells work more efficiently. Laboratory models published in 2024 also show higher expression of key brain genes linked to social behaviour and emotional regulation. The reference trial on mild pressure, at 1.3 ATA with 24 % oxygen over 40 sessions, is presented in our article on low and high-pressure HBOT.
What do families observe day to day?
The 2024 Cureus study surveyed dozens of families after 40 HBOT sessions. Over 87 % reported “somewhat” or “much” improvement in language, social engagement, focus, sleep and self-regulation. Parents described progress in verbal skills and a decrease in the frequency and intensity of meltdowns.
How many sessions, and is it safe?
Current international guidance recommends 40 to 80 sessions, adapted to each child’s needs and health situation. The studies report HBOT as well tolerated, with only rare, mild side effects, and compatible with other forms of support the child already receives.
Key takeaways
- In a 2023 trial, 40 HBOT sessions produced larger gains than risperidone or placebo in children aged 5 to 8.
- A 2025 systematic analysis found consistent, statistically significant gains on the ATEC and CARS scales.
- Over 87 % of families surveyed in 2024 reported improvement after 40 sessions, in language, focus, sleep and self-regulation.
- Guidance points to 40 to 80 sessions, adapted to each child; regularity is what the protocols have in common.
Sources
- TACA, Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for ASD. https://tacanow.org/family-resources/hyperbaric-oxygen-treatment-for-asd/
- National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10995753/
More studies by goal are available in the Oxygenome research library.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Families are invited to discuss HBOT with their child’s healthcare professional.