Currently, research on CBD oil for autism, shows there is evidence to suggest that it can help to improve specific symptoms and behavior in children on the autism spectrum. However, research into the safety and efficacy of CBD is still in its initial stages.
How CBD May Help Children With Autism?
Neither CBD nor any other drug can cure the underlying central symptoms of autism, which include social communication problems, sensory dysfunction, and destructive repetitive behaviors.
CBD can, on the other hand, help to alleviate disorders often associated with autism, such as epilepsy, anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress.
By relieving these related conditions, CBD can facilitate some reduction of the most problematic features of autism.
- It promotes better sleep patterns and lowers anxiety levels, which in turn may lessen aggressive behaviors.
- It reduces seizures and lessens stress, which may make it easier for the child to interact socially. Lower anxiety levels can also mean learning school tasks, and social communication skills are more accessible.
- It’s also critical to point out that sleeplessness and aggression are complicated symptoms for parents and guardians to handle, and often find themselves exhausted and overwhelmed by the child’s extreme behavior.
Aggression is one of the most challenging behaviors common to autism—and for this reason, a parent may resort to separating their child from the family setting. And finding an institutional setting in its place is quite common; however, only used as a last resort.
Research Findings
Several advanced studies have investigated the impact of CBD on children with autism—none, however, have explored its effects on adults on the spectrum.
One relevant research conducted in Israel achieved these findings:
Breakthroughs from the study were encouraging. And the majority of the children involved saw improvement in anxiety, anger, and hyperactivity. They also saw significant increases in social communication, sleep, and reduction in self-injury. A remarkable bonus apart from having few side effects was that those that did appear to have some mild sleepiness and or change in appetite.
Further studies have provided similar results:
CBD can help improve social skills. These initial studies, along with the low incidence of significant side effects, are promising.
Given all of the positive discoveries for CBD oil for autism and the low risks associated with it, it is essential that before using it for the first time, to follow these guidelines:
- Check with your child’s doctor to ensure that no allergies exist that may cause a reaction to CBD.
- Check to make sure that CBD is legal in your state.
- Research CBD products to be sure the brand you’re using is highly reputable and approved.
- Take careful notes on your child’s behaviors and symptoms so that useful comparisons before and after using CBD can be made.
Using CBD Oil
CBD oil comes in several varieties and many dosage levels. Oils can taste slightly bitter, which is why many people prefer the CBD edible options; it’s crucial though to keep drugs and supplements that look like candy out of the reach of children.
In general, it’s encouraged to start with a lower dosage.
Research of CBD for other conditions such as migraine, suggests that starting with a lower dose initially may be more productive. And that lower doses are easily tolerated than a higher dose. Importantly doses can be increased gradually if lower levels aren’t sufficient.
When you start, it’s essential to be sure your child’s doctor is aware of the new treatment and has no concerns that it may harm your child’s health. It also includes reporting on any changes in behaviors or skills during the time of the new treatment. Also, look for any disturbing side effects. If you see any developing trends, make sure to communicate these to your doctor or healthcare professional straight away.
Taking careful notes of any changes you see and reviewing them over time can help you determine how useful the new treatment is.
Conclusion
CBD Oil for Autism
Children with autism steadily grow and learn as they mature. So, there is no easy straight forward way to understand precisely whether behavioral change or better skill development is due to a particular treatment or healthy growth. However, it is easy to see a change in behaviors and mistakenly characterize the changes to the new treatment.
Therefore, the best way to know whether or not a particular treatment is productive is by being very thorough in measuring your child’s behavior before and after the use of CBD oil. By doing so enables you to gain an overall perspective and appreciation of the efficacy of CBD oil and whether it helps your child or not. Overall, there is much anecdotal evidence to indicate that it does.
References
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/repetitive-behaviors-in-autism-260582
