Parents whose kids are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are up against many odds. They have to deal with many challenges in the physical, emotional, and social realm of ASD. The child may exhibit some disturbing symptoms of overstimulation, anxiety, social withdrawal, and other behavioral issues. Such symptoms often need calming remedies that may help the child and its parents cope with the daily upheavals.
However, conventional medicine uses a cocktail of drugs that can have detrimental side effects of weight gain, blurred vision, and tremors, to name a few. Hence, people are now looking at alternative methods to treat ASD more holistically. CBD, a natural compound, has shown positive results in calming and reducing the symptoms of ASD. It is also believed to mitigate anxiety and behavioral problems.
This article delves into how CBD can benefit autistic kids.
Contents
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a therapeutic compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It does not contain the psychoactive effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (derived from the marijuana plant), which is often attributed to offering a high upon consumption. In contrast, the cannabinoid helps treat anxiety and sleep disorders, pain relief, and addiction.
Our bodies are made of a network of neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors that comprise the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps to bring our body to a state of balance and homeostasis. However, a poorly functioning endocannabinoid system results in many diseases and disorders.
That said, CBD products like CBD gummies mimic and activate specific receptors in the ECS system to promote feelings of wellness. It works to reduce systemic inflammation, pain, and other mental problems of anxiety and depression. The neuroprotective properties of CBD are now being explored to treat symptoms of autism in kids. However, to maximize the compound’s potential, parents must research and determine how to choose the best CBD gummies for kids.
Can CBD Offer Help for Autism Symptoms?
Although CBD offers much relief from symptoms of pain and anxiety, research regarding its efficacy related to autism symptoms is limited. Few supportive research studies have been enlisted below.
A 2018 study showed that CBD might help treat ASD symptoms in children. However, further large-scale clinical trials are required to validate this claim.
Another 2019 study was conducted on the effects of CBD on 15 patients with epilepsy who also had symptoms of autism. The study found improvements in all but one patient treated with CBD.
Moreover, a 2019 study on 188 people having autism disorder suggested that cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for relief from symptoms of autism.
A set of research suggests that taking full spectrum CBD that includes THC and CBD along with other components of the cannabis plant is more beneficial than using only CBD. At this juncture, its worthwhile to note that full-spectrum CBD products retain all the plant attributes along with up to 0.3 % THC. This composition is not enough to feel high but could work to amplify the beneficial effects of CBD.
Probable Benefits of CBD for ASD Components
- It is important to remember that all children with ASD exhibit unique symptoms over the autism spectrum. Self-injuries and aggressive behaviors are common in autistic children. However, parents who administered their autistic children with CBD reported lessened physical violence and aggressive behavior in their children. Such kids were probably better able to deal with these unwarranted emotions that stuck without warning.
- Autism is usually associated with social withdrawal and social anxiety. However, CBD has demonstrated marked improvement in social anxiety in children with autism.
- Autism is also marked by repetitive sounds and movements called stimming. Stimming, if continued for long, can become uncontrollable. CBD can play a role in reducing the repetitiveness of stimming. Such repetitive behaviors are caused due to anxiety and overstimulation. However, taking CBD helps reduce anxiety, and a sense of calm is experienced by the child.
How to Incorporate CBD?
As parents of autistic children, you might have queries and concerns regarding the safety and side effects of taking CBD. Another challenge is how to make children with sensory issues take CBD? However, there are many ways by which CBD can be taken. CBD can be ingested as gummies or inhaled and even applied directly to the skin. CBD is available as oils, tinctures, gummies, creams, and other topicals.
For autistic people, the availability of a variety and blends of CBD products to cater to individual needs and preferences is an advantage of CBD products. For instance, gummies and other edibles might be a good option for children and other people with sensory needs.
In case you are wondering how to identify the best CBD gummies, the answer lies in the varied shapes and flavors available on the market. Choose a flavor or shape your child likes and offer these gummies as little sweet treats to your child. What’s more, CBD gummies for kids are now available as gluten-free and vegan. They are also THC-free and deliciously flavored.
Bottom Line
As per World Health Organization, CBD has a good safety profile and is well tolerated. Also, CBD dosages can be adjusted and built up over time without potential side effects. Hence, first-time users such as children can get relief while being safe by taking the recommended amount and gradually adjusting it. However, CBD can interact with certain medications; hence, parents of autistic children need to be careful and consult with their doctor before trying CBD.
