Breathing Hope: How HBOT Is Helping Our Son Heal from the Inside Out

Breathing Hope: How HBOT Is Helping Our Son Heal from the Inside Out

Why We Invested in a Mild HBOT Chamber

When we started our healing journey four years ago, we were simply trying to survive. Like many other families during the height of the pandemic, we were searching for answers, support, and solutions that would truly help our child, not just mask the symptoms.

Last summer in 2024, after doing some intense research, I decided to contact a clinic in Arizona to explore stem cell therapy for my son. After a few initial appointments, we received the quote, and to be honest, it was quite shocking. To be accepted for treatment, my son would first need to complete a full set of functional lab tests, which cost around $5,000. On top of that, there were additional costs for gut healing and metal detox protocols. Once those steps were completed, the first round of stem cell treatment alone was priced at around $27,000. That first treatment is the most expensive, and the cost decreases with each following round. We were advised to do three rounds of treatments, spaced about 6 to 9 months apart. After each round, 40 dives of HBOT sessions were recommended to help boost and maintain the gains. I remember thinking to myself that I would start by running the functional tests and beginning the detox protocols, and then give HBOT a try at a local clinic. I just wanted to take that first step and see how it would go.

So, after more than 40 dives at a local clinic, we began to notice positive changes that gave us real hope. We saw improvements in focus, sleep, emotional regulation, and energy. The progress didn’t happen overnight, but it was clear and encouraging. I came to realize that true long-term healing requires both consistency and convenience, and those are not always possible with regular clinic visits. That was the moment I knew this therapy was a long-term investment in my child’s healing. So I made a big decision. I brought HBOT home.

Now we dive together. At home. In our own safe space.
No long drives. No waiting rooms. Just healing on our schedule, surrounded by calm and comfort. 

What Is HBOT, and Why Does Oxygen Matter for Healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) began in 1662 when British physician Nathaniel Henshaw built the first pressurized room to treat pulmonary and digestive conditions. 

HBOT is a non-invasive therapy where the body is exposed to 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This allows oxygen to dissolve more deeply into the blood, tissues, and even into areas with reduced blood flow or inflammation.

For kids with autism, HBOT offers a unique opportunity to support healing at a cellular level. It doesn’t just treat symptoms, it helps the body repair itself.

The Top 5 Benefits We’ve Noticed After 40 Dives

  1. Better Sleep 😴
    One of the first changes we noticed was in our son’s sleep. After just a few weeks of regular dives, his sleep patterns seemed to get better, falling asleep became easier, and he stayed asleep longer. Sleep is critical for brain development, memory, and emotional regulation, and HBOT helped bring peace to our nights again.

  2. Improved Speech & Communication 🗣️
    As pressure builds inside the chamber, so does something else: his words. We began noticing more spontaneous language, clearer articulation, and improved response time in conversations. These weren’t dramatic overnight changes, but gentle, beautiful shifts that filled my heart with so much hope.

  3. Supports Mitochondrial Function ⚡
    Many children on the autism spectrum experience mitochondrial dysfunction, meaning their cells struggle to produce enough energy. HBOT helps by flooding the mitochondria with oxygen, improving ATP (cellular energy) production, which is essential for focus, movement, and brain function.

  4. Boosts Detox Pathways 🧪
    Detoxification is a major challenge for most neurodivergent kids due to impaired methylation or sluggish liver and lymphatic systems. HBOT increases oxygen delivery to organs like the liver and kidneys, supporting natural detoxification pathways and helping the body release heavy metals, toxins, and inflammation.

  5. Reduces Neuroinflammation & Calms the Nervous System 🧠
    Many behavioral challenges stem from hidden neuroinflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT have been documented in clinical studies and observed by countless parents like us. Our son is calmer, more engaging, and more regulated after his dives.

Why Isn’t This Covered by Insurance?

Despite the growing body of research and parent testimonials, HBOT still remains off-label for autism treatment in many countries, including here in the U.S. While insurance may cover HBOT for burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, or diabetic wounds, families seeking this for neurological support are often left to pay out of pocket.

That needs to change. Children with autism deserve access to all forms of healing, especially therapies like HBOT that address the root causes of dysregulation, not just the surface behaviors.

More Than Oxygen-It’s a Path to Possibility

Oxygen is not just for lungs, it’s for life. It feeds the brain, repairs the gut, restores energy, and reduces the burden of inflammation that so many of our children silently carry.

For our family, HBOT has become a symbol of hope. Not because it’s magic. But because it’s real, grounded in science, and full of promise.

For the Parents Still Wondering...

If you’re new to HBOT or just starting to explore it, know this: you’re not alone. I was once there, too, nervous, unsure, and overwhelmed. But with the right support and guidance, we’ve seen changes. And for many of us, that’s everything! 

If you’re curious about trying mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at home, I’d be happy to guide you toward the same provider I personally use and trust. Feel free to reach out—I'm just a message away! 😊

More to come… 💙

 

All contents on this website were created for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have.

See all articles in News