CBD Oil for Autism – Is CBD a Legitimate Autism Treatment?

Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It exists in both hemp and marijuana species of Cannabis Sativa. With the legalization of hemp-derived products, numerous brands are making CBD-infused products for their customers. CBD does not cause a psychoactive high associated with marijuana use. People are taking CBD oil for every possible health condition, including anxiety, insomnia, and pain. But is CBD oil an effective treatment for autism?

The therapeutic effects of CBD promise to ease the symptoms of anxiety and stress, both of which are common in people with autism – autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

If you are interested in treating your autism with a natural substance, you can opt for cannabidiol oil. Here is what to know about CBD for ASD and how it may work.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD describes a group of neurodevelopment conditions. Most often it is diagnosed in boys more than girls. Symptoms usually present early, between 12 and 24 months, but they can also begin to appear earlier or later in life.

The DSM-5 classifies symptoms of ASD into two categories.

Problem with communication & social interaction: It covers the following difficulties

• Emotional-Social Reciprocity: For example, trouble sharing emotions or interests and maintaining back and forth conservation.
• Nonverbal Communication Important to Social Interaction: For example, trouble sharing body language or communication cues, like eyes contact.
• Developing and Maintaining Relationships: For example, difficulty making friends.

Repetitive or Restricted Behavior Pattern or Activities: It includes

• Having an intense need to adhere to a specific routine
• Exhibiting increased sensitivity to specific sensory stimuli
• Having fixated interest

A diagnosis of autism happens when a person exhibits all three symptoms of the first category or two from the second.

About CBD:

CBD comes from hemp and marijuana plant and is now legal in almost all US states. Now you can purchase it without any prescription from a health professional. Moreover, it is available in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, chewable gummies, topicals, and more. You can get CBD in many dosages at any price point.

There are three types of CBD:

• Isolates – the purest form of cannabidiol
• Full-Spectrum CBD – contain all cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and 0.3% THC
• Broad-Spectrum CBD – carries all cannabinoids except psychoactive THC

You can find cannabidiol in the following products:

• Oil & Tinctures – liquids infused in CBD. You can take them sublingually or mix them with into foods and drinks. Generally, it takes a few minutes for CBD to impart the effects.
• Edibles – Another incredible way to ingest cannabidiol is edible products. It has become the popular method of consumption as these are delicious and discreet.
• Capsules – Just like any other pill you can administer CBD capsules. Dosing is easy, but it may longer time to impart the effects.

Can CBD Help with the Symptoms of Autism?

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Currently, the research about CBD oil for autism is limited.

A 2018 study found that CBD oil may be effective in improving ASD symptoms in children, but the study advised that efficacy and safety should be evaluated with large-scale clinical trials.

A smaller 2019 study looked at the effects of CBD for the treatment of autism symptoms in an epileptic patient found the CBD is effective.

Another 2019 study found that cannabidiol seems a safe and well-tolerated cannabinoid for the treatment of autism.

Several trials are ongoing to prove the efficacy of CBD and how it can impact behavior. In general, the effectiveness of CBD depends on the spectrum of CBD. Some research studies indicate that taking CBD and THC together along with other cannabinoids may prove more effective. That is why some people take full-spectrum CBD oil to reap the benefits of entourage effects. Remember that full-spectrum CBD carries a trace amount of tetrahydrocannabinol. Though it is not enough to produce a high, it can amplify the effects of CBD.

Well, keep in mind that CBD is not a cure-all. Also, FDA has not approved over-the-counter CBD products.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system that regulates various body functions. The primary functions of ECS include pain, sleep, memory, reproduction, and perception. The Endocannabinoid system has three parts:

• Endocannabinoids – The molecules made by the body. These are similar to cannabis cannabinoids – CBD & THC.
• Cannabinoid Receptors – These are areas that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids can bind to. The two most common receptors are CB1 & CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, and CB2 is present in the peripheral nervous system.
• Enzymes – These enzymes work to break down endocannabinoids after they have done their job.

Typically, THC binds with these receptors to stimulate a range of effects. CBD attracts these receptors differently. Instead of binding CB1 & CB2 receptors, CBD prevents endocannabinoids from breaking down, which means they have greater effects on the body.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Autism?

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FDA has recognized numerous potential benefits of cannabidiol but notes that more research is essential. The FDA has only approved Epidiolex – a combination of CBD and THC for the treatment of epilepsy. No over-the-counter CBD Products have been approved.

However, the World Health Organization – WHO has declared CBD a well-tolerated and safe cannabinoid. CBD has a good safety profile with zero to minimal side effects.

Here are some potential side effects that a person can experience due to CBD and drug interactions.

• Fatigue
• Change in weight
• Diarrhea

However, be conscious to consider CBD for your autism suffering child.

Other Treatment Options for Autism:

In general, there is no cure for autism; all the treatments and therapies work to address its symptoms. These includes:

• Behavioral therapy
• Play therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy

These therapies may not be effective for everyone, some tools and treatments may also help, such as:

• Weighted blanket
• Massage
• Meditation

Additionally, you can try to minimize the symptoms of autism with a diet plan. A whole food diet with no preservatives and sweeteners can manage behavioral issues.

The Takeaway:

Children with autism grow and learn with time and maturity. So, it is difficult to understand whether a behavioral change is due to treatment or ordinary maturation. By far, the best way to know whether a particular treatment is truly effective is to be rigorous about evaluating your child before and after its use.

While more research is needed to verify whether or not CBD oil is effective for managing symptoms of Autism, early results are promising.

If this is something you’re considering, the best way to get more information about the next steps is to talk with a healthcare professional.