What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies (890 patients total) examining whether HBOT reduces core autism symptoms and improves daily functioning in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What They Found
HBOT produced moderately large, statistically significant improvements in core autism symptoms (SMD = -0.66, p = 0.0006), communication (SMD = -0.88, p = 0.04), cognitive awareness (SMD = -0.93, p = 0.002), and behavior (SMD = -0.80, p = 0.02). However, the included studies had poor quality ratings and high variability between them, which the authors acknowledge limits confidence in the findings.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian families of children with autism, this meta-analysis shows measurable improvements across multiple areas of functioning, but the evidence quality is low enough that HBOT cannot yet be considered a standard ASD treatment. It remains an option some families explore, and these findings may prompt better-designed clinical trials that could clarify its role.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The 17 included studies were rated as poor quality with high heterogeneity, meaning the pooled results must be interpreted cautiously and do not justify strong clinical recommendations.