Cannabidiol products like Cannabis oil have long been propounded treatments for illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, autism, PTSD and other serious conditions. Now, government bodies are rapidly opening up healthcare regimes to include CBD and THC formulations in official treatment protocols. Very recently the Federal Drug Administration of the United States of America approved Epidolex, a cannabidiol solution, for children over the ages of 2 years old. It has recognized that CBD oil for epilepsy treats, not just manages, rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
“This approval serves as a reminder that advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies. And, the FDA is committed to this kind of careful scientific research and drug development.”
It adds credence to something parents of children with autism, cancer and epilepsy have known for a long time – CBD products are extremely effective at managing/treating the condition in children. In this article we are looking at CBD oil for autism, how parents use it and how it has helped children become calmer and improved their quality of life.
Exciting update in 2020: USCD begins clinical trial
In 2020, the University of California-San Diego has started a clinical trial to definitely assess the full range of benefits of CBD oil. The study will be assessed by the Federal Drug Administration and will be used to create new CBD medication for the treatment of autism.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that tends to show in children before they turn three years of old. Autism impairs the person’s ability to handle social interaction, making it difficult to communicate with others. According to the University of California-San Diego, one in every 68 children is affected by autism spectrum disorder. The Center for Disease Control lists an even higher number of 1 in every 54 children afflicted with autism.
What is CBD oil for autism?
CBD oil for autism is a formulation comprising CBD and THC. Both are cannabinols found in the cannabis plant. THC is typically associated with the euphoric “high”, but in such small concentrations and in the presence of CBD these psychoactive properties are nullified.
Autism cannot be cured by CBD because it is a birth-related condition affecting the very structure of the brain. However, it helps some of the most difficult symptoms of autism – hyperactivity, irritability and stress.
How parents with autistic children use CBD oil
A report released by Remedy Review found in a survey of 547 parents nearly 50% had given their children CBD for autism spectrum disorder. The parents reported it helped their children manage impulsiveness, improved attention spans and reduced hyperactivity and aggression. It improves sleep patterns too.
Healthline, a healthcare magazine, relates the experience of the Andersons and Weathermans, two sets of parents with children diagnosed with ASD. They talk of trying more than six different pharmaceutical drugs, none of which worked, only had serious side effects. Finally, they tried using CBD oil – which made an enormous difference.
Here are some known benefits of using CBD oil for autism:
- Proven to treat seizures that don’t respond to anti-seizure medication
- Alleviate sleeplessness and reduce restlessness
- Reduce hyperactivity and irritability
- Make child calmer and less anxious
A 2018 study of 60 children found CBD for autism reduced “autism-induced behavioral, communication, and anxiety problems.”
Benefits for sufferers of autism
Stress in social situations and communication, repetitive behavior and sensory dysfunction are some of the most acute effects of autism. CBD formulations with THC help manage these. Exactly what effect you will see in a loved one afflicted with ASD depends from person to person, but it is universally claimed that it improves the quality of life in a number of ways. Reduced aggression, calmness and a return of routine are just some of the benefits. Ultimately, this only aids development, helping them further on in life.
There are some practical benefits of CBD products too. Whereas CBD oils have been used traditionally, there are now edibles (such as gummy bears), creams, analgesic and other forms of taking CBD doses. It makes administering and following treatment protocol much easier – especially when an ASD sufferer is going through a particularly rough episode.
