Research on Cannabidiol is still undergoing. Despite the limited knowledge, there is some evidence that it may have therapeutic benefits.
FDA has approved Epidiolex— a medicine for easing symptoms of epilepsy. It also comforts anxiety and stress and treats various mental conditions. Anxiety and stress are common symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you were looking for how CBD works for ASD, here is what to know.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD refers to neurodevelopmental conditions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), has five subtypes.
Boys are more likely to experience it than girls. Instances of ASD are increasing these days, and symptoms begin between 12 months to 24 months and may be recognized earlier or later.
The DSM 5 segments ASD symptoms into two categories:
1. Communication and Social Interacting Problems.
It can also be explained as follows:
- Emotional social reciprocity. Like trouble in sharing emotions and not being able to describe problems. Not taking an interest in talking.
- Nonverbal communication. Unable to understand hand gestures or unable to make eye contact.
- Develop and maintain relations. Not making friends- Sitting idle in one corner.
2. Repetitive and Restricted Behavioral issues.
It involves:
- Having arduous heed to do something again and again
- Having same interest
- Sensitivity to specific sensory stimuli
A child is said to be autistic if he displays all three symptoms from the first two and at least two issues from the second.
What is CBD and How Does it Work?
CBD is a non-psychoactive active compound found in the cannabis
sativa plant. It has several therapeutic effects, including pain relief, enhanced sleep, and combating stress and anxiety issues.
CBD extracts are of three types:
- Full spectrum CBD. As the name suggests, it is 100% extraction of all components of the cannabis plant, including THC. Terpenes, CBG, CBD, etc. However, THC is less than 0.03%
- Broad spectrum CBD. It has all the components of the hemp plant except THC.
- Isolate CBD. It is pure CBD with no other components of hemp.
You will find CBD in oils, tinctures, foams, edibles, capsules, topical and vape juices. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system ECS and helps regulate mood, sleep, metabolism, and other body responses.
The system is divided into three parts:
- Endocannabinoid ECS. CBD interacts with the ECS similar molecular structure as cannabinoids and enhances neurotransmitters.
- Receptors. These are the binding areas for cannabinoids and endocannabinoids. It is found all over the body and has two primary types: CB1 and CB2.
- Enzymes. It breaks endocannabinoids in the body.
THC can bind CB1 and CB2 to stimulate a range of effects. Instead of CBD binding these receptors, it prevents ECS breakdown-enhancing effects.
The Potential Benefits of CBD for Autism
Studies on the potential benefits of CBD on Autism have shown tremendous effects. The results were fruitful in reducing anxiety, sleep disorder, and irritation. It also poses anti-inflammatory properties related to gastrointestinal issues common in autism.
CBD oil increases the oxytocin and vasopressin in the body, helping autistic people improve social interaction, reduce repetitive behaviors, increase eye contact, and better sleep cycle.
Using CBD to Manage Challenging Behaviors in Autism
Many parents have switched towards CBD oil for managing challenging behaviors in their kids caused by autism, as the anecdotal evidence shows positive outcomes. Some parents describe that after using CBD oil, children who were aggressive and reached a point of rage have decreased with this technique.
Many researchers have tried finding how to treat these child behaviors in autism. CBD oil is a potent medicine to calm anger issues or string emotions in autistic children. More research is needed to know how it works so effectively.
CBD and Anxiety in Autism: What the Research Says
The role of CBD for Autism in anxiety is dual. It helped some children deal with anxiety with stress, aggression, and behavior. Also, it helped in co-occurring seizures.
Every child is indeed different, and after all medical marijuana is illegal, but parents report CBD as a powerful medicine for autism and epilepsy. As it is non-psychotic, parents aren’t afraid to try for children.
Can CBD Help with Sleep Issues in Autistic Individuals?
Another positive side of CBD is that it has the potential to help with sleeping issues. CBD activates ECS and releases oxytocin and vasopressin that effects ASD symptoms, including sleep disturbances.
A 2018 study found CBD to help alleviate ASD core symptoms in children, but large-scale efficacy and safety are yet to be proven. Another study conducted in 2019 found that cannabis relieved anxiety, and stress, and promoted sound sleep in 188 autistic people.
CBD and Sensory Processing Issues in Autism
A sensory processing disorder is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to process sensory information. As the environment and circumstances change- the five body senses signal the brain to react.
Autistic people suffer from sensory processing issues, and there is no formal method to diagnose, it can only be diagnosed based on behavior- if it fits the criteria. CBD helps in achieving homeostasis by regulating overall function. Researchers have found CBD to be helpful in sensory disorders. For example, a study concluded better cognitive function after taking cannabis. Another result is energy regulation which is a struggle in ASD.
How to Choose a High-Quality CBD Product for Autism?
The FDA does not regulate CBD, so consumers must shop wisely.
Safety Considerations When Using CBD with Autism. These are a few ways to know your CBD comes from a reputable brand and is of high quality.
- Third-party lab certificates or COAs. It is important to ensure the quality of the CBD and that it matches the description on the label by checking the COA (certificate of analysis).
- FDA warning and lawsuits. Check online to see whether the brand has ever been the subject of a lawsuit or an FDA warning. Agencies notify manufacturers who make health-related claims.
- Transparency. Buy only from companies that have up-front retail locations and that identify all the product’s specifications, including its origin and extraction technique.
- Reputation and reviews. Look for what customer has to say about the brand.
- Be sure your CBD is real. Hempseed oil and CBD are different. Don’t get confused. Hemp seed oil contains THC and CBD. Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD, so whatever is listed is fake.
Best 5 Brands in Canada
Many different CBD oils are on the market, making it difficult for beginners to choose the ideal one. Here are the top five CBD product brands ranked by price, hemp quality, extraction process, and independent testing.
- Royal CBD
- GoldBee
- CBD Pure
- Hemp Bombs
- CBDistillery
Tips for Incorporating CBD into an Autism Treatment Plan
If you’ve chosen to give your kid CBD. Consult a medical expert first. Here are a few things to improve its efficacy if you obtain the go-ahead.
- Do not exceed recommended dosage.
- Give it regularly at the same time.
- Keep patience. It may require a few weeks to see visible results.
Note your child’s behavior after medication and compare them from before symptoms to track any issues. If you experience any problems, visit your doctor.
Side effects
There are few side effects reported for using CBD for autism. However, remember that every individual is different and responds differently to medicines. Some common side effects are:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
These are mild and go away on their own. Talk to your doctor if you are medicating and using CBD oil. They will monitor your child.
Dosage
Less study has been done on CBD and autism thus far. Therefore, it might be difficult to determine the proper CBD dose for autism. You can learn it via trial and error, but it will be far better for your child to have a prescription for the suggested amount.
Legal
In Canada, CBD is legal and also available without a prescription. However, your doctor can assist you in finding the finest CBD product for your child. If you live in an area where medical marijuana is illegal, you can look for government pharmacies. There are different types of CBD strains for autism, be sure about the product quality and authenticity.
Conclusion
Yet, research on CBD and ASD is required to conclude to support different patient experiences to prove CBD’s usefulness for autism symptoms like restlessness, attention deficiency, stress, and anxiety.
If you want to ease autism symptoms by using CBD, talk to your doctor. Always meet the holistic doctor who knows about the subject and holds experience.
Most importantly, buy cannabis from a reputable supplier that sells organic and lab-tested products. To know more, research on the internet about the best companies.
Do you know someone who is using CBD for autism? Did CBD help in ASD?