Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental and impacts 5.4 million Americans. There is no approved treatment but many seek help for the intense symptoms. Many autistic adults report consuming cannabis for relief from sensory overload and other symptoms of the disorder.
A startup in the United Kingdom is funding a clinical trial to figure out how the active compounds in cannabis may help children with ASD. The current data is inconsistent, but recently published research added a layer to support the hypothesis that cannabinoids could help autistic children.
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The research paper set out to learn if purified cannabidiol (CBD) was safe and effective for children with autism. Unlike THC, many find CBD non-psychoactive. However, some feel high or haze after consuming it. The CBD used in the study was procured from Laboratory Alef, Argentina. Laboratory Alef also supported the methodology and statistical analysis. The study was approved by the Bioethics Research Committee.
A total of 20 participants who dealt with treatment-resistant repetitive behaviors, behavior disorders, and intellectual disabilities were accepted. In each case, previous conventional medications and behavioral interventions hadn’t worked.
This was a before-and-after study, where patients were initiated into treatment and set a baseline. The baseline was compared against follow-up assessments that occurred at three-month intervals. Patients a dose of CBD daily adjusted to their needs ranging from 100 to 700 milligrams.
Doctors followed up after 11 months of adding CBD to the children’s medications. 18 patients improved in at least one symptom by the first follow-up meeting. 40 percent of the children reduced or partially discontinued their other medications by this check-in. Two patients showed no improvement at the 11-month mark, one worsened, and another had no response.
Patients also presented meaningful secondary outcomes, with 30 percent of participants experiencing improvement in irritability, social withdrawal, and hyperactivity. Researchers noted minor improvements in restricted and repetitive behaviors and sleep patterns. Mild or moderate adverse effects were experienced by 13 patients, including increased irritability and decreased appetite.
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Researchers determined that purified CBD has shown promise for children with autism, indicating it could improve core symptoms and comorbidities.
“The families considered the quality of life to have improved,” the study concluded.
