Thank you for helping our Autistic son

To our friends at Hyperbaric Therapy of Newtown Square,

We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful experience we have had at Hyperbaric Therapy of Newtown Square. Initially we were concerned that Leo might not be comfortable doing the treatments; he usually does not do well with new experiences. After the first session, because of your welcoming environment and your efforts to accommodate Leo's special needs, the "TUBE" became something fun that Leo looked forward to.

The professionalism displayed made us feel safe and well taken care of, from the front office back to "Uncle Mitch" and his unbelievable knowledge and understanding of hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBOT). Having been exposed to other facilities around the country, Hyperbaric Therapy of Newtown Square is far and away the best combination of the best available chambers (we did the research ourselves) and knowledgeable, welcoming staff.

Overall we have seen the most global improvements with HBOT compared to all of the other biomedical interventions, all within the DAN protocol, that we have tried.

Leo's increase in receptive language has grown more during HBOT treatments than in the previous six months. Before starting treatments we were never sure Leo understood us when we spoke to him. Now it is clear that he UNDERSTANDS EVERYTHING, so much so that we now have to watch what we say around him! Leo went from not understanding, and not paying attention, to following directions independently. Additionally, his expressive language has grown as well; Leo's vocabulary went from seven words to at least fifty-seven words over the course of the treatments. After just a few sessions, some of his therapists commented about how "on" Leo was and how "with it" he seemed to be. We finally have some freedom where we can go out and Leo will hold hands, get into the stroller or car without a fuss!

Most children with autism have sensory integration issues and Leo is no exception. Now, thanks to HBOT treatments, Leo is demonstrating significant gains in coordination and balance. For example, Leo loves to jump on his trampoline. Since starting treatments his simple bouncing has developed to the point where now he does tricks, pulls his legs up, spreads them apart, and swings his arms. These "motor planning skills" are essential for speech and now he is on his way.

Socially, Leo now recognizes that others are all around him, most importantly his baby sister, who he did not acknowledge for the first eight months of her life. Now Leo has been caught playing with her and even being jealous of her! Leo has made progress in playing with other children as well and will be starting preschool in the fall.

Another very significant change is Leo's sense of humor. Through our experience with autism we have come to understand that humor is one of the highest cognitive functions. Leo now has a sense of humor and it is delightful to play with him and be able to joke with him about silly things!

The HBOT experience has been so easy because "Uncle Mack and Uncle Mitch" always make a big fuss about Leo when he arrives and really go out of their way to make Leo feel comfortable. Leo jumps right in the "TUBE" to watch videos and play with mom, dad, or grandpa.

Leo's new awareness of the world around him and THE PEOPLE around him is very exciting and has truly reinforced for us that children with autism can recover. We plan to continue hyperbaric oxygen therapy until Leo is fully recovered.

Sincerely, Rob & Erica, parents of Leo, an autistic 3-year-old boy