Best CBD Oil For Autism 2024: Benefits, Usage Guide and Side Effects

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1 in 59 children in the United States. This neurodevelopmental disorder typically results in deficits in social communication skills and behavior, though some children with autism are quite gifted in areas of learning, thinking, and problem-solving. Each case is unique, so there is no standard treatment for autism. It’s all about finding the right way to manage the symptoms of autism on a case-by-case basis. 

In this article, we’ll explore the subject of autism in children and adults. You’ll learn the basics about the autism spectrum disorder symptoms and treatment options as well as research and clinical trials for the disorder. We’ll also take a closer look at the potential benefits of CBD products for autism and the scientific research that supports its use.

Top 5 Best CBD Oil For Autism Brand Reviews 2024

CBD Oil For Autism: Can It Help?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid compound naturally produced by Cannabis plants. CBD belongs to the same category of chemicals as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), though it doesn’t produce the same psychoactive drug effects. Different Cannabis plants have different concentrations of these two cannabinoids – CBD is most highly concentrated in hemp (Cannabis sativa) while THC is more heavily concentrated in marijuana (Cannabis indica).

Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only declassified CBD as a controlled substance a few years ago, cannabis research is still somewhat limited. There is research, however, to confirm the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,^[1] anxiolytic,^[2] analgesic, and anti-seizure benefits^[3] of cannabidiol products. 

CBD has not been proven to cure any medical conditions, but it has shown remarkable efficacy in alleviating certain symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. These issues are common in people with autism, so using CBD products may help children and adults manage the challenges that come with their condition to improve their quality of life.

The Benefits Of CBD For Autism And Epilepsy

Research associated with autism and CBD is very limited, but studies on the use of CBD for related symptoms have shown great potential. Here are some of the research surrounding autism symptoms and the use of CBD oil. 

More Stable Sleep

Researchers have found that over half of autistic children have trouble falling or staying asleep. Some evidence suggests CBD oil could be a beneficial therapy to help with sleep issues. A large case series published in 2019^[4] reviewed the evidence supporting the use of CBD for neuropsychiatric disorders including epilepsy and anxiety. The research shows that CBD delivers a calming effect on the central nervous system. Sleep scores improved for over 66% of patients within the first month and anxiety scores decreased for over 79% of patients. 

Lower Anxiety

Research from The University of Amsterdam revealed that about 40% of autistic children under 18 had at least one comorbid anxiety disorder. Many autistic children exhibit repetitive behaviors that overlap with symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Children with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder because they are better able to self-report symptoms than people with more intellectual impairment.

There is strong evidence to support the anxiolytic properties of CBD, but one study published in Frontiers in Psychology^[5] found that 300mg of CBD significantly decreased anxiety in teenagers with social anxiety disorder. Another study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry^[6] concluded that CBD could be used as a treatment for anxiety. 

Controls Seizures

Perhaps the most well-documented use for CBD oil is in the treatment of seizures, particularly rare forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In fact, the only FDA-approved treatment derived from the cannabis plant is for this purpose. Epidiolex, is a 99% pure oral CBD extract.^[7] Patients taking the treatment experienced fewer seizures and less severe seizure activity during the clinical trial. 

In a 2018 literature review,^[8] researchers concluded that cannabis treatment is safer and more effective in treating seizures than THC or medical cannabis. This review mentions that much of the research using CBD for epilepsy involves CBD oil combined with antiepileptic medications. These researchers suggest CBD may be more of a potentiator of antiepileptic medications, but evidence supporting the use of Epidiolex suggests CBD has anti-epileptic benefits of its own. Even so, more research is needed to test the effects of CBD oil on autism and epilepsy. 

Better Focus And Attention

The American Psychological Association notes that while attention problems are not part of the core diagnostic criteria for autism, they are common in many people with ASD. In a 2018 study, researchers tested the ability of children with autism to complete a task involving a tactile stimulus while ignoring a task-irrelevant visual stimulus. The ASD group exhibited significantly more errors than the neurotypical group. 

Scientific studies on the effects of CBD oil on ADHD and autism are limited, but one study from 2019[16] showed improvements in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in autistic patients. The study tested a variety of categories including attention deficits, behavioral disorders, cognitive deficits, and more. CBD resulted in some level of improvement in 8 of the tested categories.

Research Findings

Studies testing the health benefits of cannabidiol are ongoing. Few studies have provided any conclusive evidence to support using CBD oil for autism, but there is plenty of research that shows great potential. When it comes to CBD for autism, these treatments could help manage symptoms ranging from anxiety and stress to attention deficits and compulsive behaviors. 

A 2018 clinical trial^[9]  aimed to test the effects of CBD in adults with and without autism. Previous studies have shown that people with autism tend not to respond as well to pharmacological drugs as neurotypical people. The results of the study, confirmed by MRI, showed that adults with autism responded to CBD

In response to an increase in treatment with medical marijuana, researchers aimed to test the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis treatment for patients with autism. The results of this study,^[10] published in 2019, showed that 30% of patients experienced significant improvement, and over 50% experienced a moderate improvement in autism symptoms.
In July 2020, researchers[19] at the University of San Diego School of Medicine began recruiting autistic children between 7 and 14 years of age for a phase III clinical trial. The trial is designed to determine whether CBD reduces severe behavioral problems in children on the spectrum.

Is CBD Legal?

Hemp oil and other hemp extract products are legal as of 2018 with the passing of the Agricultural Improvement Act^[11] (2018 Farm Bill). CBD oils are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. THC itself, including medical marijuana, is still a controlled substance and needs a prescription in many states. 

When it comes to CBD oil for kids with autism, the legal lines are a little blurry. It is still illegal to give kids THC, but there are no age restrictions when it comes to CBD as of yet. Some CBD products given to children may contain trace amounts of THC which is where those lines get blurry, so it’s really up to the parent to choose the best CBD product for their child.

Is CBD Safe To Administer To Children?

Cannabidiol is generally regarded as safe for adults, but there are fewer studies involving children. In 2015, the AAP published a policy statement^[11] on medical marijuana in children, citing the lack of evidence on the use of marijuana as medicine for children as well as its potential long-term harm. The AAP did provide one exception, however. The organization recognizes that medical marijuana could be a viable option for children with life-threatening conditions for whom alternative treatments are not available. 

At the moment, there is not enough research to officially say whether using CBD oil is as safe for a child as it is for an adult, especially for a child diagnosed with autism. The bottom line is it’s up to the parents to decide whether it’s the best option for their child. When it comes to CBD and autism, parents should follow their pediatrician’s advice. 

Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Autism

Before giving your son or daughter CBD oils (or any new treatment, natural or pharmaceutical), it is important to check with your doctor. Even natural treatments like CBD oil have the potential to cause adverse effects, especially if your child is already taking some form of medication.

Generally speaking, CBD is safe and has a low risk of side effects.^[12] Side effects are typically mild and may include drowsiness, diarrhea, and changes in weight or appetite. To help reduce the risk of side effects, start with a low dose of CBD oil and give your body a few weeks to adjust to it. If you don’t experience negative side effects, you can increase the dosage slowly until you see the desired differences. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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