With CBD becoming legalized in more and more places worldwide, it is being used as a natural treatment for a wide variety of conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and seizures.
New evidence is also emerging to suggest that CBD may be effective in treating the more severe symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.
The question is, how much scientific evidence is there? Could it help, or is it a bad idea?
Let’s look at some of the studies, pros and cons, and possible ethical issues of using CBD to treat autism in children.
CBD Oil Has Been Shown to Improve Sleep Quality
Evidence points to CBD having a calming effect on the nervous system. A large retrospective case series published in The Permanente Journal involved the clinical application of CBD for anxiety and sleep complaints as an adjunct therapy to the usual treatment in adult patients in a psychiatric clinic.
According to the results of the study, out of the 72 adults presenting with anxiety and poor sleep, anxiety scores decreased in 57 of the patients within the first month and remained decreased during the duration of the study. Sleep scores improved within the first month in 48 of the patients, but tended to fluctuate over time.
The CBD appeared to be well tolerated in all but 3 patients.
CBD May Help Reduce Comorbid Symptoms in ASD
While much scientific study remains to be done on the efficacy of CBD in individuals on the autism spectrum, there are prevailing theories that show that CBD may be an effective treatment in the comorbid symptoms that arise from ASD.
For example, cannabidiol has been suggested as a candidate for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in the medical journal, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, as CBD has been shown to reduce the comorbid symptoms of ASD including, anxiety, sleep disturbances, ADHD, and epilepsy.
A Promising Study on CBD and the Reduction of Behavioral Outbursts
A retrospective feasibility study was conducted on 60 children with autism spectrum disorder. According to the results published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders:
“Following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved in 61% of patients.”
However, there was some cause for concern as some adverse events were noted. For example, sleep disturbances (18%), loss of appetite (9%), and irritability (9%). One girl who used higher tetrahydrocannabinol had a transient serious psychotic event that required treatment with an antipsychotic.
While the use of CBD looks promising for children on the autism spectrum, more scientific study is needed.
Dysregulated Cannabinoid Signaling May Play a Role in Social Deficits
All mammals, including us, have a built-in endocannabinoid system (ECS). Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that help maintain homeostasis (balance) in the brain and body.
When the ECS is disrupted, this balance can be lost. According to a study published in Global Drugs and Therapeutics, there is evidence to suggest that a dysregulated ECS could play a critical role in the social functioning impairments associated with ASD.
CBD may exhibit an indirect effect on the CB1 receptors by inhibiting the degradation of a particular endocannabinoid called anandamide, otherwise known as the “bliss molecule”.
Cannabidiol has even been shown to extend the lifespan of this molecule, which can calm anxiety, improve sleep, and regulate mood.
In conclusion (from the study):
“Collectively, the pharmacologically broad-spectrum of CBD covers diverse neurological pathologies of ASD, thereby providing a unique and viable therapeutic opportunity to alleviate multiple core ASD symptoms simultaneously. The increasing interest and attention of its beneficial effects in controlling seizures, behavioral and mood abnormalities in ASD call for systematic preclinical and clinical studies to reveal the mechanisms, efficacy, therapeutic spectrum and safety of CBD in ASD.”
The Ethical Concerns About CBD and Autistic Children
Since research on the efficacy and safety of CBD for those on the autism spectrum is still in its infancy, it would be unethical for any CBD manufacturer or provider to claim it can treat or “cure” autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that has no cure. It is not a disease or mental health disorder, but rather a different wiring of the brain.
However, since CBD has shown promise in easing anxiety, self-injurious behaviors, sleep disturbances, and seizures associated with autism, it may provide a unique support option for those on the spectrum.
Any parent considering using CBD as a treatment for their autistic child should consult a medical expert who specializes in this type of treatment before buying a bottle of CBD from just anywhere and using it.
Some CBD contains THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Some CBD does not. Others are derived from hemp, others from the whole plant. Some CBD oils are very potent and concentrated while others are not, which would mean dosing requirements would be different in each case.
There’s just too much margin for error for parents to do it on their own, and it is not advisable.
While more scientific research must be done for definitive proof that CBD can be a beneficial treatment for the comorbidities of autism, some parents in Israel (where the vast majority of these studies are taking place) claim CBD has “worked miracles” for their children when nothing else would.
And that’s a step in the right direction!
