Treating the symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder requires a cocktail of medications that can have detrimental long term effects including extreme weight-gain, and side effects including tremors, anxiety, blurred vision, fever, confusion, abnormal heart rhythm, and the list goes on. Many parents believe that the effects of the medications are worse than the effects of the disorder itself.
A growing body of evidence, however, shows that CBD oils and CBD gummies may provide a natural way to improve symptoms in children with autism. While CBD’s known side effects include drowsiness and diarrhea, they are not incredibly common and are usually mild when they appear at all. Symptoms related to autism and autism spectrum disorders that CBD may help include:
- Seizures
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Cognitive challenges
Parents who have tried giving their children CBD oils have posted videos on YouTube and appeared on talk shows like The Today Show to share the amazing results they have seen in their children. They report that their kids are calmer, more stable, and more interested in interaction. Let’s take a look at the science behind why this is.
A Holistic Approach
The endocannabinoid (ECS) system is a network of neuroreceptors and neurotransmitters responsible for maintaining balance and homeostasis within the body and brain. Though researchers only recently discovered the ECS within the last few decades, it has always been a part of human evolution. Some scientists now believe that many disorders and diseases are a result of a poorly functioning ECS.
CBD products activate certain receptors within the ECS to promote better functioning and communication between all bodily systems. This is why CBD is so good for so many different problems. The endocannabinoid system originates in the nervous system and affects every other system in the body.
Research has shown that CBD products like CBD gummies and oils help reduce general systemic inflammation, anxiety, depression, and a host of other problems. CBD inhibits the growth of abnormal cells, has neuroprotective properties, and has been approved by the FDA in a drug used to treat certain kinds of epilepsy.
Different CBD Formulas
Legal CBD products are derived from industrial hemp, which contains a dozens of different cannabinoids. All of them have their own unique individual effects, and produce what is known as the “entourage effect” when combined. This refers to the concept that all of the cannabinoids put together have a special effect that cannot be replicated by taking just one or two.
CBD comes in a few different formulas, and you want to do your research on each type in order to make an informed decision about which one to try. CBD isolate is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids present. Full spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, including THC. There is not enough THC to cause intoxication, and THC is known to have powerful therapeutic properties—especially when combined with other cannabinoids to produce the “entourage effect.” Broad spectrum CBD includes all the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, minus THC.
Finding What’s Right For Your Child
Unfortunately, it is a challenge to get the medical community to acknowledge the benefits of CBD, especially in children. They are concerned about potential risks, as long term effects and drug interactions are not yet fully understood. But research is catching up with the anecdotal evidence, and parents should peruse the growing body of evidence before they make any decisions about giving CBD to their children.
You will have some choices to make about the formula and the dosage, but it is a good idea to start with smaller doses a couple of times a day, wait a week or so at the chosen dose, then work your way up from there. You also want to be careful about ensuring the CBD you use comes from a reputable company and provides a certificate of analysis with all of its products to confirm potency and purity.
Final Thoughts
When searching for ways to treat the painful symptoms of an ASD, parents are often overwhelmed and frustrated with the options available. The side effects usually outweigh the benefit they have, and there is never a simple solution. CBD oils and CBD gummies may be that solution, and some parents will swear that it is. When you are deciding what is right for your child, do your research in order to make the most informed decision possible.
Talk to their doctor, and do not drop behavioral therapies just because CBD may help certain symptoms. Like most drugs that treat psychological problems, CBD is a support that enables better integration of behavior therapies, not a replacement for them.