HBOT for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring the Evidence
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Chan, NP (Medical Director, MD Hyperbaric)
When people hear “hyperbaric oxygen therapy,” they usually think of wound care or post-surgery recovery. But researchers are increasingly looking at HBOT for something very different: neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Parkinson’s disease.
These two conditions obviously look very different on the surface. But they actually share something important at the cellular level: inflammation in the brain, damage from unstable molecules called free radicals, and cells that can’t produce energy the way they should. HBOT targets all three of these problems.
Here’s what the research says, and what it means for patients and families.
HBOT and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the most recent CDC data. There’s no single cause, but researchers have found that many children on the spectrum show signs of brain inflammation, problems with how their cells produce energy (called mitochondrial dysfunction), and higher levels of oxidative stress, which is basically wear and tear on cells from unstable molecules.
HBOT helps by flooding the body with extra oxygen under pressure, which means more oxygen gets to the brain. Several studies have looked at what happens when children with ASD receive this treatment.
The most well-known is a 2009 multicenter study published in BMC Pediatrics. It was randomized, double-blind, and controlled, meaning it met the gold standard for clinical research. Children who received HBOT showed meaningful improvements in overall functioning, language comprehension, social interaction, and eye contact compared to the control group.[1]
An earlier pilot study had already shown that HBOT reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in children with autism.[2] Follow-up clinical trials reported improvements in speech, behavior, sleep, and social engagement.[3]
A 2025 systematic review pulling together data from multiple trials concluded that HBOT shows real promise for a subset of children with ASD, though the authors stress the need for more large-scale studies.[4]
To be clear: HBOT is not a cure for autism, and every child responds differently. But for families already working with behavioral therapies and other supports, it can be a valuable addition to the toolkit, especially for children who show signs of brain inflammation or energy production issues at the cellular level.
HBOT and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s affects over a million Americans. The hallmark symptoms, tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, balance problems, happen because the brain gradually loses the cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth, coordinated movement.
What’s driving that cell loss? More and more, researchers are pointing to the same trio of problems seen in ASD: brain inflammation, energy production issues in cells, and oxidative damage. Different condition, different part of the brain, but similar underlying mechanics.
A 2022 study in Biomolecules showed that HBOT helped protect dopamine-producing brain cells in animal models of Parkinson’s by boosting the cells’ ability to produce energy and by increasing levels of BDNF, a protein that helps brain cells grow and survive.[5]
On the clinical side, a 2024 study found that Parkinson’s patients who received HBOT showed improvements in movement, sleep quality, and thinking ability.[6] A large systematic review covering 958 patients confirmed that HBOT helps with both motor symptoms (tremors, stiffness) and non-motor symptoms (anxiety, depression, sleep problems, difficulty swallowing).[7]
Another focused review found HBOT particularly helpful for the sleep disturbances that so many Parkinson’s patients struggle with.[8]
HBOT doesn’t replace standard Parkinson’s medications. But used alongside them, it may help slow the progression of symptoms and improve day-to-day quality of life, things that mean everything to patients and the people who love them.
Why Oxygen Matters So Much for the Brain
Here’s a simple but powerful fact: your brain uses about 20% of all the oxygen your body takes in, even though it only makes up about 2% of your body weight. It’s an oxygen hog, and for good reason. Brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen to produce energy, repair themselves, and communicate with each other.
When that oxygen supply gets disrupted, whether by inflammation, poor blood flow, or cells that can’t use oxygen efficiently, brain function suffers. That’s true whether we’re talking about a child with ASD or an adult with Parkinson’s.
HBOT dramatically increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in your bloodstream, which means more oxygen reaches your brain tissue. That extra oxygen helps cells produce energy more efficiently, calms inflammation, triggers the release of growth factors that help the brain repair itself, and even encourages the growth of new blood vessels to improve oxygen delivery over the long term.
The core idea is straightforward: give the brain more of what it needs most, and it has a better chance of functioning well, repairing damage, and staying resilient.
What to Consider
If you or someone you love is living with ASD or Parkinson’s and you’re curious about HBOT, a good first step is talking with a team that knows hyperbaric medicine well. At MD Hyperbaric, we assess each patient individually to figure out whether HBOT makes sense and to design a treatment plan that fits their needs.
HBOT is safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by both kids and adults. The research is still growing, and we need more large-scale trials, but the evidence so far, combined with the strong safety profile, makes HBOT worth considering for people looking for complementary ways to support neurological health.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a consultation at MD Hyperbaric to find out if HBOT is right for you.
References & Supporting Research
[[1] Rossignol DA, et al. “Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.” BMC Pediatrics. 2009;9:21.
[2] Rossignol DA, 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. 2007;7:36.
[3] Granpeesheh D, et al. “Brief Report: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Trial.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2012;42(8):1127-1132.
[4] Xiong T, et al. “The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry. 2025.
[5] Pan Z, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Parkinson’s Disease by Promoting Mitochondrial Biogenesis via the SIRT-1/PGC-1α Pathway.” Biomolecules. 2022;12(5):661.
[6] Chen J, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Motor Symptoms, Sleep, and Cognitive Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease.” Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. 2024;54(3):187-196.
[7] Pan Z, et al. “Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-motor symptoms among patients with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” International Journal of Rehabilitation Research. 2025.
[8] Feng J, et al. “Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of sleep disorders among patients with Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis.” Frontiers in Neurology. 2024;15:1328911.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal recommendations and check with your insurance company for current policy details.
What Our Patients Say
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Post-Surgical Recovery“Getting HBOT helped me a lot with my wound healing. I noticed my scars remarkably lightened. My mood and energy levels improved as well in just three weeks of getting two sessions each week — despite my demanding work schedule, I felt like I had more energy.”Namae
Inflammatory Bowel Disease“I was prescribed HBOT by my specialist to treat a complex and traumatic issue stemming from IBD and reconstructive GI surgeries. I did a full course and absolutely saw improvement right away. The staff are amazing, very professional and caring.”Kathleen
Injury Recovery“I broke my wrist playing tennis and came to MD Hyperbaric Westchester to help speed up my recovery. After a few sessions I have felt a tremendous improvement in energy, sleep — and my doctor says my wrist is healing remarkably well.”John
Cancer Adjunct“I'm a breast cancer survivor, and after radiation near my lungs, I thought this treatment might be useful. I can feel a difference in my breathing and cognition. I definitely recommend it if your body has gone through a traumatic experience.”Aziza
Wellness“I recently began using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at MD Hyperbaric, and it's been one of the most unique and impactful wellness treatments I've explored. I was drawn in by the potential benefits for anxiety, fatigue, and overall cellular repair, but I didn't expect it to feel this restorative — and my skin is glowing too!”Olesia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a proven treatment that enhances healing by flooding the body with oxygen. Used for over 100 years, it supports brain health, anti-aging, athletic recovery, and medical conditions by boosting oxygen in blood, tissues, and organs. Patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, accelerating recovery and promoting cellular repair.
HBOT is FDA-approved for 14 conditions like burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds. Emerging research also supports its use for post-surgical recovery, brain injury, fatigue, inflammation, athletic recovery, and anti-aging. Our medical team will assess if HBOT is right for you.
Yes, HBOT is safe when properly supervised. At MD Hyperbaric, treatments are protocol-driven, medically overseen, and administered by certified staff. Our Medical Director and onsite Safety Director ensure every session is carefully monitored, and we continuously update our protocols based on the latest research to prioritize patient safety.
Typically, most treatment sessions are approximately 60 minutes, though some conditions may require up to 90 or 120 minutes. Pressurization and depressurization may add about 20 minutes to the appointment, so you should plan for about 90 minutes for your visit.
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Some patients may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require a more extended treatment plan. A typical protocol will involve 10-40 daily sessions to build up oxygen in the cells. Our Medical Director will recommend a specific treatment plan to address your goals and needs.
Prior to treatment, please try to avoid alcohol or carbonated drinks. It is best to avoid smoking and other tobacco products during your treatment period, as they may interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen. Otherwise, there are no restrictions for food or activity before or after your treatment. We encourage you to have healthy meals and stay hydrated.
Most patients find HBOT sessions relaxing. You will rest comfortably in a 7.5-foot-long steel chamber, breathing 100% pure oxygen through a mask. During pressurization and depressurization, you may feel pressure changes similar to airplane travel. A trained technician will monitor you throughout the session.
The term "dive" is used because the process simulates the experience of a deep-sea dive in a pressurized environment. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has deep roots in diving as an important therapy for treating divers experiencing decompression sickness.
At MD Hyperbaric, we use the FDA-cleared OxyHealth Fortius420, a spacious hard-shell chamber delivering 100% medical-grade oxygen via mask. It operates up to 3.0 ATA, allows tailored pressures, supports air breaks, and includes three windows for comfort and safety.
At MD Hyperbaric, we use hard-shell chambers that deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen at higher pressures for superior therapeutic benefits. Soft-shell chambers operate at lower pressures without medical-grade oxygen, making them less effective for medical treatment.
Our team will assess your medical history and specific circumstances through an intake process. An initial evaluation with certified staff and the Medical Director will determine your eligibility for HBOT.
No referral is needed. Our Medical Director will review your intake forms and prescribe HBOT if appropriate. If you have a prescription from a provider, we will coordinate with them. For serious health conditions, we may recommend getting clearance from your physician.
Some MD Hyperbaric centers accept insurance for certain on-label conditions — the FDA-recognized indications for which HBOT is an established standard of care. Whether insurance applies depends on your diagnosis, your plan, and the center you visit, so please contact your local center to confirm. Where insurance does not apply, HBOT is a self-pay treatment: most FSA/HSA plans allow reimbursement, and we can provide a superbill and receipt to help you submit a claim.
It depends on how you pay. For insurance-covered treatment at participating centers, your cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance — the center verifies your benefits and explains expected costs before treatment begins. For self-pay treatment, we offer a variety of pricing options designed to suit different medical and financial needs, including pay-as-you-go and package options at reduced rates when purchased upfront. Please contact us to discuss pricing and options. We accept cash, credit, or check.