Introduction to CBD and Autism

Talk about a high-ly anticipated breakthrough. 
A new study from the University of São Paulo suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extract could help improve behavior and ease common symptoms in children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective,” said lead researcher Dr. Lara Branco. “It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants.”

Children with autism may display aggression, self-injury, tantrums, social challenges and sensory sensitivities.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a broad term that encompasses a range of developmental conditions marked by repetitive behaviors, trouble with communication and difficulty navigating social interactions. 
The number of autism diagnoses in the US has skyrocketed in recent years, increasing by a staggering 175% between 2011 and 2022, largely driven by a spike in cases among young people. 
Today, the CDC estimates about 1 in 36 US children are on the spectrum. Studies show that emotional and behavioral issues are more common in youth with autism compared to their neurotypical peers, significantly impacting both the child and their family’s quality of life.

The Challenge of Finding Effective Treatments

“ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians and of course the children and adolescents themselves,” said Professor Geert Dom, president of the European Psychiatric Association.
“A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms,” he noted. 
Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana.

Introduction to CBD

Enter CBD, a natural compound from the cannabis plant that’s been gaining attention for its potential health benefits. 
Unlike THC — the psychoactive compound that causes a “high” — CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects. Across the country, all 50 states have laws legalizing it with varying degrees of restriction. 
While previous studies hinted at CBD’s potential for managing ASD symptoms, comprehensive research on its effectiveness and risks has been limited. 

The Study on CBD and Autism

To fill this gap, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of three clinical trials examining the use of CBD extracts in treating 276 participants aged 5 to 21 on the spectrum, 78% of whom were male.
The team found that CBD cannabis extract improved participants’ social responsiveness, reduced disruptive behaviors, eased anxiety and enhanced sleep quality.
Crucially, CBD didn’t cause more adverse events compared to a placebo, suggesting it has a “favorable safety profile.”
“These findings support the potential consideration of CBD cannabis extracts in ASD treatment plans,” the study authors said.
Researchers noted that further studies are needed to confirm CBD’s benefits for young people with autism.

However, they pointed out several limitations in their meta-analysis, including the small number of studies and limited sample sizes. The researchers emphasized the need for larger, more robust trials to fully evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Future Directions

“It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis,” Dom said. “We hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community.”

Conclusion

The potential of CBD in improving the behavior of kids with autism is a promising area of research. While the current study shows positive results, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on autism symptoms. As the search for effective treatments continues, the possibility of CBD offering relief to families affected by autism is a welcome development.

FAQs

• Q: What is CBD and how does it differ from THC?
  A: CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that does not cause a "high" and is being studied for its potential health benefits, unlike THC, which is psychoactive.
• Q: What were the findings of the study on CBD and autism?
  A: The study found that CBD improved social responsiveness, reduced disruptive behaviors, eased anxiety, and enhanced sleep quality in children and teens with autism spectrum disorder.
• Q: Are there any limitations to the current research on CBD and autism?
  A: Yes, the current research has limitations, including a small number of studies and limited sample sizes, emphasizing the need for larger, more robust trials.
• Q: Is CBD legal?
  A: Yes, all 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction.
• Q: What is the current prevalence of autism in the US?
  A: The CDC estimates about 1 in 36 US children are on the autism spectrum.