The B.I.G Autism Foundation’s Hyperbaric Chamber is located inside Pensacola Apothecary at 825 East Burgess Road in Pensacola. Under physician supervision, the chamber is available for both children and adults with Autism. For appointments in the Hyperbaric Chamber or for more information, please call 850-473-9190.

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What is the BIG Autism Foundation?

The Biomedical Intervention Group (B.I.G.) Autism Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that has been formed to bring awareness, education, and research to families in Pensacola and the surrounding areas on the latest treatment options available for children with autism. This foundation was formed by parents who follow, under the guidance of their own Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) physicians, the philosophy that children on the spectrum have a multi-faceted disorder that may affect any and often all of the major systems of the body. The concept of one treatment for all does not apply to children on the spectrum. The DAN! movement believes that these children are physically ill with real medical disorders, therefore DAN! physicians treat the underlying causes of the symptoms of autism, based on medical testing, scientific research, and clinical experience, with an emphasis on nutritional interventions. Many parents who are involved in this group have been having success with greatly reducing or improving symptoms, have had their child’s label removed, and/or have had them mainstreamed into neurotypical classrooms through implementation of the biomedical approach. It is not the intention of the BIG Autism Foundation to prescribe or apply medical treatment to children, but to provide information, based on the latest research, to their families so that they can make informed decisions about options available that can help them improve the child’s quality of life.

How is BIG Funded and Who Will Benefit?

The BIG Autism Foundation is strictly supported through volunteers, friends, and family of BIG members. The Puzzle Piece Tennis Tournament is currently the primary funding source for the group. In the future, donations to the organization will be appreciated through private individuals, corporations, contributions from civic groups, and our website. 100% of the proceeds, from any source, will be used to provide resources and information through newsletters, community in-services, website postings and to local agencies that service children. The information provided is intended for all interested families with children who have Autism or other related disorders and will include helpful biomedical references for services, trusted physicians, research articles, helpful websites, and useful hints from families and professionals who have experience with the biomedical approach, and list local agency and support group contacts. Local groups that we have already worked closely with include The Gulf Breeze Rotary Club, The Pensacola Seville Sertoma Club, The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), and the Autism Society of the Panhandle.

How has BIG Helped Bring Awareness and Information to the Community?

Some of the ways this group has already assisted area families include; a presentation in 2007 at Pensacola Junior College by Dr. Julie Buckley, a DAN! Physician from the Jacksonville area on the success she is having treating children with Autism and the latest research; the purchase of books with various topics related to biomedical interventions for the Pensacola CARD office, and provided financial assistance through scholarships to help with the cost associated with travel and expenses in order to visit a DAN! Physician. In 2008 and 2009 the foundation raised the necessary funds to purchase a hyperbaric oxygen chamber which will be housed in an office at the Pensacola Apothecary. Under the supervision of a local physician, the chamber will be used for children and adults with autism. Our mission for the future will be to continue to present and bring the latest research to our community, direct families to local professionals, organization and support groups, as well as work with all other agencies in order to provide a holistic approach for the children and their families.