What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in Egypt to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), risperidone, or placebo on core autism symptoms in 180 children aged 5-8 years.
What They Found
After one year, all three groups showed significant improvement in childhood autism rating scale (CARS) and autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) scores compared to baseline. The HBOT group demonstrated the best results, followed by the risperidone group, with HBOT proving more effective than risperidone therapy in reducing core autism symptoms.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This research suggests that both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and risperidone may help alleviate core autism symptoms in children. Canadian patients and their families might consider discussing these treatment options, especially non-pharmacologic ones like HBOT, with their healthcare providers.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in Egypt and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The generalizability of these findings may be limited due to the study being conducted in a specific population and geographic location.