From a survey of more than 160.000 readers of Autism Parenting Magazine (APM), it has been found that nearly one in five parents or guardians give their child CBD.
Overall, 73% of respondents identified themselves as parents of a child with autism, while the remaining participants were grandparents, full-time caregivers, teachers, therapists, physicians, or individuals on the spectrum. 19% of respondents confirmed that they use CBD for a child on the spectrum to relieve a variety of symptoms.
Interestingly, the survey also found that only 14% of UK health care providers were willing to consider CBD as a symptom relief option, compared to 22% in the US.
When asked why caregivers CBD on their child, 43% said they hoped to relieve anxiety, 37% to reduce challenging behavior, 5% sought relief from pain and inflammation, 8% to help with sleep and relaxation, 4% to reduce the effects of seizures reduction, with the remaining respondents citing “other” reasons, such as improving speech and supporting toilet training.
Parents of children with autism often recommend CBD
Only 20% of the total respondents had turned to a doctor to obtain a prescription for a cannabinoid product, while 83% stated that they would recommend CBD products to other parents of children on the spectrum.
A number of studies have shown positive results when testing CBD as a treatment for both primary and secondary symptoms in people with autism. In 2018, a short investigation report published on CBD treatment in 60 children with autism, ages 5-18 in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. The study found that treatment with cannabidiol led to improvements in behavior, anxiety and communication.
The APM study found that CBD oils were the most common method of administration, followed by gummies, capsules and balms, and that CBD administration was the least common among parents and caregivers of children aged 0-3.
Sources HempGazette (EN), leafy (EN), SagePub (EN)
