Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in very specific ways depending on the individual. So, for many families and individuals, the search for effective and appropriate treatments is a constant pursuit.
Against this backdrop, interest in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic compound extracted from the cannabis plant, has attracted the attention of the scientific community. Here's a roundup of published studies on the potential benefits of CBD on autism and commonly associated medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or epileptic seizures.
Table of contents
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD): definition, symptoms and current treatments
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. The causes of the disease appear to be a combination of genetic, environmental and neurobiological factors.
Common manifestations and symptoms of ASD
Autism is characterized by a wide range of symptoms. We speak of autism (in the singular), but in reality, there are at least three forms of the disease: classic autism, atypical autism (or PDD-NOS) and Asperger's syndrome. These are grouped together under the term Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD.
Common symptoms associated with autism are :
- Difficulties in social interaction due to equivocal interpretation of emotions, non-verbal language and social norms;
- Communication problems due to delayed language development or total absence of language;
- Repetitive behaviours such as swaying the body or repeating phrases (echolalia);
Oversized interest in a very specific theme, sometimes with the manifestation of an extra-ordinary gift or ability; - General lack of interest;
- Sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity.
Not all individuals with autism exhibit all of these symptoms. What's more, their severity can vary substantially from one person to another. For this reason, the diagnosis of autism must be made by a qualified health professional.
Common medical conditions in autistic people
In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, autism is also associated with the manifestation of numerous comorbidities such as :
- Anxiety disorders: phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- Difficulty concentrating, even ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Sleep disorders ;
- Depression;
- Eating disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation, diarrhea ;
- Epileptic seizures.
These medical conditions aggravate the condition of people with autism and significantly reduce their quality of life. In this sense, cannabinoids such as cannabidiol could be an effective and natural aid.
Indeed, CBD, which acts on our body's endocannabinoid system, can potentially reduce the intensity of many of the comorbidities mentioned. We'll come back to this point a little later in our article.
Current treatments
As we have already mentioned, autism is an illness that manifests itself in very specific ways, depending on the individual. Indeed, both symptoms and co-morbidities vary from one patient to another. This is why treatments are generally individualized.
Whatever the case, caring for an autistic person generally involves :
- Special education, with adapted educational programs;
- Behavioral therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), or sensory therapies;
- In some cases, medication can be used to treat anxiety, aggression or sleep disorders.
The treatment of autism is complex and requires a global approach adapted to the specific needs and social environment of each individual.
Published studies on the effects of CBD on autism
Cannabis synthesizes molecules (called cannabinoids) capable of reacting with our body's endocannabinoid system. This explains why THC and CBD, the plant's two main cannabinoids, have so many potential therapeutic properties.
Studies are still in their early stages, but the first published observations of cannabis use in autistic people are very encouraging.
The link between CBD and autism
An Israeli study published in 2016 in the journal Neurology [1], revealed some surprising results. Sixty children with autism were treated with cannabis oil containing 20% CBD and 1% THC. After 7 months of treatment :
- Over 60% of parents noted a significant improvement in their child's behaviour;
- Nearly half report that their level of communication has improved;
- More than a third noted a reduction in anxiety symptoms;
- And finally, violent behavior has dropped by around 30%.
The results were so encouraging that the double-blind study was repeated a few years later on a total of 150 patients aged between 5 and 21 treated with the same cannabis oil (CBD:THC, 20:1). Here again, the use of cannabidiol appears to be beneficial. Indeed, 48% of them reported a significant improvement in behavior.
Study shows CBD benefits 90% of people with autism
Perhaps the most promising study of all is the one conducted by the father of cannabinoids, Raphaël Mechoulam, published in 2019 in the renowned journal Nature.[2]
Carried out over a 6-month period on a group of 188 people aged under 18, the study showed that over 90% of them reported a significant improvement with the use of cannabis oil (20:1). Patients reported a better quality of life, with improvements in mood, state of mind and degree of autonomy. In addition, almost a third of the children were able to reduce or stop the use of antidepressants and anxyolytics.
The study also highlights the fact that taking CBD is not associated with any serious side effects.
CBD to improve quality of life for people with autism
As we saw earlier, autism is associated with a large number of co-morbidities, such as seizures, mood disorders, sleep disorders and concentration problems.
It turns out that, thanks to its action on the endocannabinoid system, CBD can potentially reduce the intensity of these medical conditions.
Reduces the intensity and frequency of epileptic seizures
Few people know it, but CBD owes its popularity to its anticonvulsant properties. Indeed, a few years ago, the incredible improvement in the health of Charlotte Figi, a little girl suffering from epilepsy, made headlines. The use of CBD oil had reduced her seizures from dozens a day to just a few a month.
Epidiolex, a drug formulated with CBD, is currently prescribed to patients suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.
Admittedly, CBD's mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, and so far its efficacy seems to relate only to certain forms of epilepsy. Even so, CBD's anticonvulsant properties offer an interesting avenue of treatment for autistic people suffering from epileptic seizures.
Combats anxiety, depression and sleep disorders
CBD has also shown promise as an option for alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, making it a potentially useful supplement for people with autism.
Preliminary studies suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep by acting on brain receptors involved in stress regulation. In fact, a meta-analysis of 76 published articles on the effects of CBD on anxiety and stress [3], showed that over 70% of research concluded positively: CBD would notably reduce anticipatory anxiety, modulate serotonin and improve sleep quality.
What's more, thanks to its regulating action on serotonin levels, it could also play a role in managing depression. Indeed, several studies carried out on rats [4] show that CBD helps to regulate moods, and in particular to reduce depression, and moreover, rapidly: a state of serenity could be induced less than 30 minutes after CBD administration.
Effects on concentration and ADHD
Another manifestation of autism is concentration problems, which can take the form of ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity). Although further research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD may promote concentration:
- A study conducted by Dr Franjo Grotenhermen (a pioneer in the use of therapeutic cannabis) on 30 ADHD sufferers whose condition showed no improvement through the use of traditional treatments has shown that the consumption of CBD oil helps to reduce hyperactivity, improve sleep and increase powers of concentration.
- Kings College London conducted a double-blind test on ADHD sufferers. Consumption of CBD oil reportedly led to a rapid improvement in their cognitive abilities, associated with a reduction in hyperactivity and, ultimately, improved concentration [5].
Autism: how to take CBD?
As we've seen throughout our article, CBD can potentially reduce the impact of some autism-induced symptoms. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before considering CBD oil consumption.
Choose full spectrum products
When choosing a CBD oil to treat autism, we recommend that you choose a full spectrum CBD oil.
Unlike broad spectrum oil, which is THC-free, full spectrum CBD retains all the natural compounds of the hemp plant, including small traces of THC (less than 0.3%).
This small amount of THC, well below the psychoactive threshold, can have synergistic benefits with CBD, other cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBC, etc.), terpenes and flavonoids present in the oil. This synergy, known as the entourage effect, is thought to potentiate CBD's therapeutic effects by working in harmony with the plant's other compounds.
For people with autism, this can mean more effective relief from symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders and behavioral problems.
On the other hand, full spectrum CBD products offer an experience closer to using the hemp plant as a whole, which may be preferable for those seeking a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of autism.
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CBD Oil 20% Full Spectrum - Nobilis Product
29,90 €Our Full Spectrum 20% CBD oil is a concentrate of nature and French know-how. Derived from hemp grown without GMOs or additives, it contains twice the concentration of cannabidiol as our 10% formula, while retaining all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids naturally present in the plant.
Thanks to theenhanced entourage effect, this oil promotes a deeper action on stress, body tension and sleep quality.
Its 10 ml format with pipette allows precise, easy dosing, even at high concentrations.
This oil is :
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🇫🇷 Produced in our French laboratory, from hemp extraction to bottling, with full traceability
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🌿 Réalisée à partir de crude de CBD, pour conserver toute la richesse moléculaire du chanvre : CBD, CBG, CBN, THC < 0,3 %, flavonoïdes, terpènes
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✅ Analyzed with every batch by an independent laboratory, to guarantee consistent, uncompromising quality
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CBD Oil 10% Full Spectrum - Nobilis Product
24,90 €Discover our Full Spectrum 10% CBD oil from hemp grown in France, without additives or GMOs. Its richness in cannabinoids and terpenes guarantees an optimal surrounding effect for deep relaxation and natural well-being. Practical 10 ml bottle with pipette for precise dosage.
Our Full Spectrum 10% CBD oil is :
🇫🇷 Manufactured from A to Z (from hemp extraction to bottling) in our French laboratory.
🧪 Made with CBD crude to provide all the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes.
✅ Analyzed by an independent laboratory for each batch to guarantee quality.
Start with a low dose
CBD dosage in the context of autism is an essential consideration. However, it should be noted that there is no universal dosage, as CBD is not considered a medicine. Moreover, the ideal dose varies considerably from person to person, depending on weight, age, symptom intensity and sensitivity to cannabinoids.
So, to determine the optimum dose while minimizing potential side effects, a gradual approach is recommended: start with a low dose of CBD (5 to 10 mg) and gradually increase every few days until the expected effects are achieved. You can keep a diary to record the effects experienced at different doses, in order to determine the optimal dosage.
It's important to keep in mind that CBD dosage is very personal. Indeed, some people with autism may benefit from higher doses of CBD, while others may find relief with a more moderate amount.
Choose a quality product
Choosing a quality CBD oil is of paramount importance, especially when it comes to treating the symptoms of autism.
Indeed, top-quality products guarantee a precise concentration of CBD, as well as maximum purity, free from undesirable contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides or residual solvents. For people with autism, whose sensitivity to substances is often heightened, the elimination of these impurities is essential to avoid any adverse reactions.
Another key factor is the transparency of quality CBD manufacturers. At Nobilis-Product, we routinely provide laboratory analysis results that detail the exact composition of our oils, including CBD percentage, presence of additional cannabinoids and THC levels. This transparency enables people dealing with autism (or their caregivers) to make informed decisions and ensure that the product meets their specific needs.
In short, choosing a quality CBD oil minimizes potential risks and maximizes CBD's therapeutic benefits.
Our sources
[1] Cannabidiol Based Medical Cannabis in Children with Autism- a Retrospective Feasibility Study (P3.318)Neurology
[2] Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and EfficacyNature
[5] Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomised-controlled trialPubMed