According to the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom, more than 1 in 100 people in the country are on the autistic spectrum. While this number is only an estimate, they believe there are approximately 700.000 people with autism in the UK, spanning all races, cultures and backgrounds – although statistically more men are autistic than women.
Autism – sometimes referred to as ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) is a disability that affects how people see and interact with the world. It can affect not only how autistic people communicate their feelings to others, but also how they understand other people. Autism is a disorder that exists on a spectrum – with some people experiencing mild symptoms, while others have more severe symptoms.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, usually manifesting in childhood, accompanied by repetitive and compulsive behavior, and in the most severe cases can weaken life, severely impair communication and in some cases make speech difficult or even impossible.
'Treating' Autism
Scientists still don't know exactly what causes autism. It is believed that it could be a combination of environmental and genetic factors, and the treatment people with autism receive may vary. Since there is no way an autistic person can be "cured" from ASD, the only help available is help in managing just the symptoms.
Most of the treatments offered to people with ASD are behavioral therapies. Occasionally medication can be given to help people cope with the symptoms of their ASD, but there is nothing that can be given to treat the condition itself.
CBD and autism
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of many chemicals that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp plants, called cannabinoids. When CBD and other cannabinoids are consumed, they interact with a system of receptors in the body called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a network of receptors present on the outer membranes of many types of cells throughout the body.
The ECS acts as a 'guardian' between the nervous system and the immune system. The nervous system is responsible for thoughts, movements, and emotions (to some degree), and the immune system protects the body from damage from bacteria, viruses, and more. These systems deeply influence each other and this is largely due to the fantastic communication skills of the ECS, which mediates messages between the two. It ECS also plays a role in appetite, memory and metabolism.
The human body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, these are known as endocannabinoids. Studies have shown that children with ASD have lower levels of these endocannabinoids, hence studies are beginning to show the benefits of supplementing with plant-produced cannabinoids to reduce some of the symptoms of autism.
CBD does not make consumers high, unlike THC – another cannabinoid found in cannabis. Compared to many other drugs, CBD is considered very safe, again making it a potentially excellent way to reduce some of the symptoms of autism.
CBD and anxiety
One of the main benefits of CBD is its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. In recent years, there have been a number of studies showing that CBD affects anxiety both animals and humans can reduce. Anxiety can be an important part of the life of someone with autism, and managing it can help improve quality of life.
Within the endocannabinoid system, there are CB1 receptors, which have an effect on serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood, so by interacting with the CB1 receptors, CBD can help people living with anxiety and other mental health problems.
CBD and epilepsy
Scientists have found that there is a significant link between epilepsy and autism: 32% of people with epilepsy are also on the autistic spectrum, and 20-30% of children on the autistic spectrum develop epilepsy.
Scientists have also conducted research into how CBD can help people with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can lead to seizures when nerves in the brain fire abnormally, causing uncontrollable effects. There are over 40 different types of seizures and they can occur at any time of the day, whether the patient is asleep or awake.
Epilepsy can also range from mild to severe, and for some, seizures can be life-threatening. Some people can have more than 100 seizures a day, not only making them impossible to live a 'normal' life, but also potentially endangering them.
CBD can inhibit the breakdown and reuptake of anandamide, one of the body's natural antidepressants. It also helps increase endocannabinoid tone, which is thought to protect parts of the brain and reduce seizure frequency for people with epilepsy.
CBD may also affect the hippocampus, the part of the brain that exchanges information. It is thought that when exchanges are disrupted, epilepsy can occur. When CBD is ingested, scientists believe it can stimulate the growth of neurons in the hippocampus, help control anxiety and thereby "anti-seizure effects' has.
Anecdotal evidence that CBD helps with autism symptoms
While there is increasing scientific research on how CBD can help people cope with specific symptoms of ASD, such as depression, seizures, and nausea, research is still ongoing to understand how CBD can help specifically with ASD itself.
However, there is ample anecdotal evidence from people with ASD, especially from the parents of children living with the condition.
It was in Israel where scientists first discovered the endocannabinoid system, and they are still at the forefront of cannabis research. A study by Ben Gurion University and Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba shows that CBD was found to be highly effective in treating a number of ASD-related symptoms, such as restlessness, depression, seizures and tics in under-18s.
The study involved giving 188 children with ASD CBD oil (30% CBD and 1,5% THC) for 6 months. They found that 30% of patients reported significant improvement in their condition, 53,7% reported moderate change, and 15% reported no change or a small change.
This is significant, and while the understanding of exactly how CBD works for people with ASD is still ongoing, there is significant evidence to show that it certainly helps some people. Whether dealing with depression, alleviating nausea, or reducing the number of seizures in people with ASD, CBD offers great hope to people and their families.
Most medications given to people with autism are intended to treat the same symptoms. However, they are not natural and while they can treat one symptom, they can also present new problems.
If you're considering using CBD for ASD or epilepsy, it's critical that you talk to your doctor before trying it. CBD can affect the way some medications work, and it is not recommended that you stop taking any medication before discussing it with your doctor.
Life can be tough for people with ASD, but with the help of CBD and other cannabinoids, the future looks bright. As scientists better understand how these connections can affect us, especially in the brain, the hope is that we can make life easier for people with ASD.
Sources including Leafie (EN), Psychiatric Times (EN), Spectrum News (EN)
