According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in every 40 American children has autism. People have many misconceptions about autism, but it is a neurological disorder that affects a child’s social skills. Many scientists believe that a person’s genetic factors might have a role in causing autism.
People with autism have difficulties in social communication and others often misunderstand them as shy or unfriendly. Most people with autism believe that they are intellectually weak. However, most of them have a good IQ and excel in academics.
The treatment of autism mainly aims at managing the symptoms associated with it. Since CBD has been gaining popularity these days, more studies are looking into its effects on autism.
CBD For Autism
One thing you need to remember is that CBD or any other drugs cannot improve the social communication challenges, sensory dysfunction, repetitive behavior, etc. which are the symptoms of autism. What CBD can do is alleviate other disorders associated with autism, which are epilepsy, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Studies have proven that CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system will help to reduce anxiety. When the anxiety is reduced, it will help to sleep better. Lowered anxiety also means it will be easier to learn social communication skills. If anxiety in autism patients cannot be managed, it may lead to aggression and it will be particularly difficult to manage.
What Does The Research Say?
All the studies on the use of CBD oil in managing autism are showing positive results. Some preliminary studies showed that using CBD oil will help to improve the behavioral, communication, and anxiety problems in people affected with autism.
The use of a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy is approved by the FDA recently. This shows that CBD is effective in controlling seizures and many studies prove that. Since seizures are very common in people with autism, CBD can be used for managing it.
More studies have proven that the use of CBD oil will significantly improve their social communication skill, sleep quality, aggression, etc. It also lessens the emotional and behavioral issues of people with autism.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD is one of the 113 active cannabinoids in the hemp plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means its use will not produce any high. However, using CBD in higher doses may cause side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea, low blood pressure, etc.