Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a collection of disorders that impact brain development characterized by communication difficulties, social interaction problems and repetitive, sometimes injurious behaviors. Its caused by a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors.
There are three forms of ASD:
(1) Autistic Disorder (also called “classic” Autism): This is what most people think of when hearing the word, “autism”. People with Autistic Disorder usually have difficulties with language delays, social and communication challenges and unusual behaviors and interests.
(2) Asperger Syndrome: People with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of Autistic Disorder. They may social challenges and unusual behaviors and interest.. However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual skills.
(3) Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD-NOS): People who meet some criteria for Autistic Disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all. People with PDD-NOS have fewer and milder symptoms than those of Autistic disorder.
The cause of Autism can be a number of things, such as, a mothers age when giving birth, maternal illness or sickness while pregnant, difficulties during pregnancy or birth–independently none of them are risk factors, but in conjunction the risk of ASD increases. Every child’s Autism is unique, so treatments may vary. What works for one child could have adverse effects on another. Current treatments for Autism include therapies like behavioral modifications and social skills coaching. All non drug related. The dilemma with cannabis treatment for Autism, is well, doctors won’t prescribe cannabis to children because there is not enough data to support such course of treatment. Some doctors won’t event take the time to do their own research and just go with the flow in what they think is best for their pockets. However, there are some good people out there who have dug deep with their research and have given it a try after having nothing else to lose.
Take the success story of Meiko Hester-Perez, a mother coming from a deep rooted family in law enforcement who’s son not only has ASD but later developed Duchennes’s muscular dystrophy a rare and aggressively degenerative disorder. He was given 6 months to live and a ton of FDA approved medications to take everyday with a severe degree of toxicity. His mother looked to cannabis as another alternative after researching life extending methods. She experimented by giving her son cannabis infused edibles. Soon after her son Joey (who has a bud “Joey’s Strain” named after him by Aaron Justis of Buds and Roses Collective and Master Cultivator Kyle Kushman) began making eye contact on a consistent basis. He developed an appetite and put on weight and six years after the six month diagnosis, he is happy and thriving. Another success story is that of Dr. Giovanni Martinez, who began researching the therapeutic possibilities of treating children with Autism with CBD oil and has reported some amazing results. After three weeks of giving a child twice daily sprays of CBD Hemp oil, the child went from being non-verbal to having significant language skills.
Ultimately when treating Autism with cannabis there can be multiple ways to utilize the many benefits of it, whether it be edibles or CBD oils. You will want to use precaution when dosing with cannabis infused edibles and oils–make sure to use proper milligrams to dose as needed and stay consistent.
Have more in-depth questions about Autism & cannabis? Come speak to one of our cannabis consultants today!
For more information about Autism visit AutismSpeaks.org!
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