CBD for Autism
Can CBD be the answer for the estimated 1-2% of all Canadians with Autism?
First off, what exactly is Autism? ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological condition that affects brain development and impacts how individuals respond to and feel about social situations and stimuli.
There are two categories into which we can divide the symptoms:
- Issues while communicating or interacting in social situations
- Restrictive, repetitive or challenging behavior
Autism can cause major stress for those living with it and for their caretakers, as those with autism often have trouble interacting with others and may be hyper-sensitive to sounds, smells and sights. They may try to regulate themselves from being overstimulated with either repetitive, defiant or aggressive behaviours – which can be draining for themselves and those around them.
So can CBD treat Autism? New research is beginning to suggest CBD may be a valuable tool for helping those with autism feel less overwhelmed and as a result, more relaxed and able to socially interact. So, let’s discuss the science and research on CBD for managing Autism.
Can CBD Prevent Autism?
First off, it’s important to note that Autism is a complex condition with many potential causes like genetics and prenatal development. It may never be possible to cure the symptoms of autism such as overwhelming sensory responses, inability to communicate in social situations and repetitive, restrictive or aggressive behaviour.
So, why should people use CBD for Autism? Because CBD may help them to reduce their overwhelming sensory and emotional responses and to relieve other symptoms like anxiety.
When taken in the correct dose, CBD may help to reduce anxiety and soften emotional & physical responses which can allow autistic individuals to actually relax. This in turn may help them to manage their aggressive or restrictive behavior and to better handle social situations.
So while there’s no guarantee of success, the reduced anxiety and decrease in hypersensitivity from CBD can help those with autism to calm down – making learning, developing, and using social communication skills easier. In some cases, CBD may even prove useful in controlling related seizures, which may lead to reduced stress levels and impairment.
How Does CBD Relieve Symptoms Of Autism?
While there’s no sure-fire way to know whether CBD products may work to prevent or relieve symptoms of autism, new research on CBD & Autism is showing much promise.
In one study, several researchers noted that CBD seemed to improve autism symptoms for at least 65% of the children in their study between the ages of 12 and 24 months.
There also has been much research done on the benefits of CBD for sleep, anxiety and stress with most studies finding CBD has positive effects for relieving sleep, anxiety, stress issues and for improving general feelings of well-being.
Moving on, some studies have also looked into the role of CBD for helping people with a variety of mental health issues. They suggest that CBD may help alleviate symptoms of ASD, while others are considering its possible benefits for managing behavioral traits like ADHD.
That’s why parents of autistic children may opt to use CBD to control irritability, aggressiveness, and other social anxiety issues. However, all things considered, the formula’s efficacy depends on the type of CBD product. Also, parents should carefully consider other factors before making the decision to give their children CBD.
What’s the Best CBD for Autism?
To get the most benefits from plant-sourced cannabinoids, one should always use Full-Spectrum CBD. Full-Spectrum CBD products contain the original cannabinoids found in the hemp plant like CBD, CBDV, CBG and THCV (which is non-psychoactive). By having multiple cannabinoids at once, one can experience a synergistic “entourage effect” where the unique benefits of each cannabinoid enhances the effects of one another.
For example, THCV may be an even stronger anxiety suppressant than CBD. THCV is completely non-psychoactive and works like the opposite of THC, helping to actually boost focus and clarity which could have great benefits for those with Autism. CBD alone does not offer these focus-boosting effects, so using CBD along with THCV can help to boost mental clarity in addition to CBD and THCV’s anxiety reducing effects.
Is CBD Safe for Autistic Children?
For many parents, caring for a child with Autism can be extremely stressful and draining. It can also be very frustrating and seem hopeless seeing your child constantly overwhelmed, crying and acting aggressively. Hence, many parents may consider CBD as an effective and natural source of relief for their autistic child.
So is CBD for children legal and safe? Currently in Canada, CBD and even medical Cannabis can be legally prescribed for children suffering from conditions like epilepsy and even ADHD.
However, it is important to note that research still needs to be done on the effects of CBD for adolescent brain development as this is currently unknown. So as a parent, it’s important to consider these factors as well as discuss with a medical professional before giving your child CBD.
How Does CBD Work?
We have told you about the different types of cannabinoids, but it is also essential to learn how CBD and other cannabinoids work.
You may have heard about the body’s endocannabinoid system that helps our body maintain a state of homeostasis (that is balance). By supplementing with CBD, we help our body to maintain a healthy state of balance by regulating things like sleep, metabolism, mood, and our immune response to pain and inflammation. By using CBD we can improve our body’s response to symptoms like pain, anxiety and stress.
Effective CBD Products to Manage Autism
Now, let’s look at some CBD products that may provide relief to people with autism:
1. CBD Edibles
CBD Edibles are an easy and fun way to supplement CBD. Most edibles, like gummies, are available in a fixed dosage, but you can alter this by breaking them into smaller pieces or biting them in half.
Also, gummies are a discrete way to consume CBD which is why they are so popular among customers.
2. CBD Topicals
Topicals include several CBD items such as lotions, creams, and balms. You can apply them directly to the affected area to help provide pain relief and the CBD isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. However, for autism you may opt for ingestible routes instead where CBD is actually absorbed into the bloodstream for the maximum relief.
3. CBD Oils
Thanks to their ease of use and highest rate of absorption, oil tinctures are the favorite way to consume CBD. All you need to do is place the oil or tincture below the tongue for at least 30 seconds. This allows the CBD to be absorbed via the sublingual gland and directly to the bloodstream for the most effective relief for autism.
Final Words
Hopefully, this has helped you learn how CBD can help those with autism. Living with autism and caring for a child with it can be simply overwhelming, stressful and frustrating at times.
CBD may provide an effective source of relief to help manage autism-related anxiety & stress by reducing the severity of overwhelming feelings or sensations. In turn, this could help those with CBD to be in a more comfortable and receptive state to learn, develop and experience improved social communications and life in general.
The Best CBD for Autism
CBDNorth is the first in Canada to have CBD, CBDV, CBG & THCV in one complete full-spectrum. In addition to the pain-relief, anti-anxiety and sleep benefits of CBD, our full-spectrum blend offers the very unique THCV which may have specific benefits for those with Autism. THCV is like the exact opposite of THC, as THCV increases your focus and decreases your anxiety. This makes our full-spectrum the best possible CBD product for those struggling with autism.
Made in BC with all-natural ingredients, our CBD products deliver the best in high-quality, effective CBD care for those suffering from chronic pain, inflammation and more.
