CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome - April 2024

Can CBD Really Help With Asperger’s Syndrome?

Since Asperger’s syndrome is no longer a clinical term, this article shall discuss how CBD may help with autism spectrum disorder.  

Autism spectrum disorder is classified as a developmental disorder wherein children have difficulties making eye contact, nonverbal communication, social anxiety, and repetitive behaviors and patterns ⁽⁸⁾. Diagnosis is complex and often requires a specialist to administer and interpret testing.

There is a lack of comprehensive study on how cannabidiol (CBD) might affect individuals with AS. However, some researchers demonstrated CBD’s promising results from studies on children with autism and young adults.

A recent study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology mentioned that the majority of 53 children and young adults from a clinical trial showed significant improvements in ASD symptoms ⁽⁹⁾. 

The authors specified that among the 53 individuals (ages 4-22), 74.5% showed improvements in overall autism symptoms, such as hyperactivity, tantrums, self-injury, attacks, sleep problems, and anxiety.

The authors also explained that the CBD treatment displayed a slightly higher improvement rate than the conventional treatment. However, the rate of improvement in anxiety symptoms remains the same.

Moreover, the authors added that the test subjects displayed mild improvements in social skills. The study suggested that better sleep quality among children with ASD might motivate social interaction with family members or caregivers. 

Based on the parent’s reports, CBD might improve ASD symptoms. However, this is considered anecdotal evidence. More research is essential in evaluating the effects of long-term CBD use ⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Researchers have studied CBD for its anxiolytic, antiemetic, and antipsychotic properties ⁽¹¹⁾.

A 2019 study from the Permanente Journal has shown that CBD might be beneficial in improving mental health. The study demonstrated improvements in anxiety and sleep disruptions among healthy adults following a month of daily CBD intake ⁽¹²⁾. 

CBD has also been shown to improve numerous health conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, chronic pain, and addiction ⁽¹³⁾.  

The previous studies mentioned might be an indication that CBD might improve symptoms of ASD. However, the authors also expounded that there are several limitations in the study because improvements were reported by the test subjects’ parents. 

How CBD Oil Works to Help With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The human endocannabinoid system (ECS)  is a neuromodulatory system composed of G-protein-coupled receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). 

Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the human body. Most are present in the central nervous system (CNS), immune system, and peripheral organs ⁽¹⁴⁾.

Many researchers have studied how modulating the ECS might result in several therapeutic promises in a wide range of conditions and diseases ⁽¹⁵⁾. 

A study posted in the British Journal of Pharmacology explained how cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may have an affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors ⁽¹⁶⁾.  

The authors mentioned that CBD, even with its low affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors, might play a role in modulating the ECS.

This affinity has been shared by a study published in the Journal of Neurological Sciences. The study demonstrated that a dysfunctional ECS might be implicated in autism spectrum disorder ⁽¹⁷⁾. 

The ECS is involved in the regulation of behavioral, social, and emotional response. The ECS may also be responsible for modulating subsets of ASD patients, such as anxiety, seizures, intellectual disabilities, and sleep disturbances ⁽¹⁸⁾. 

A 2016 animal study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggested that increased anandamide (stimulation) of the CB1 receptors might improve ASD-related social impairment. The authors added that this activity might also be a therapeutic target for ASD ⁽¹⁹⁾.

Moreover, a cross-study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders mentioned that endocannabinoids might modulate ASD symptoms by interacting with the immune system cells ⁽²⁰⁾. 

The authors added the ECS might influence immunological dysfunctions associated with ASD ⁽²¹⁾. 

Another study shared in Neuron supported the previous studies’ findings. The authors concurred that the ECS is involved in modulating cellular functions and molecular pathways ⁽²²⁾.

Although researchers agree that the ECS is modulatory by nature, its mechanism behind the influence of ASD behaviors has only been conducted in animal studies. 

There is little information on ECS’ possible mechanism that could affect ASD symptoms in humans. 

The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome

The Pros

• Asperger’s syndrome is a mild form of ASD. A clinical test of CBD on 53 children showed significant improvements in ASD symptoms ⁽²³⁾. 
• CBD might be beneficial for mental health by improving anxiety and sleep disruptions ⁽²⁴⁾. 
• Studies suggested that CBD’s therapeutic potential in improving sleep problems might help motivate autistic children to socialize more ⁽²⁵⁾.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged CBD as safe and well-tolerated for daily use ⁽²⁶⁾.  

The Cons

• In a clinical study, parents of children reported adverse effects, such as drowsiness and change in appetite ⁽²⁷⁾.
• The clinical study on children with ASD has several limitations. All the information collected was based on parents’ reports. No objective assessment tool was used to measure changes in symptoms ⁽²⁸⁾. 
• The mechanisms by which CBD might stimulate cannabinoid receptors and modulate ASD symptoms were done on animal studies. No definitive pathological studies on human subjects have been conducted at this time ⁽²⁹⁾.
• CBD may cause adverse effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, and loss of appetite ⁽³⁰⁾.
• According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CBD may cause liver injury if consumed in extremely high doses ⁽³¹⁾.

How CBD Oil Compares to Alternative Treatments for Asperger’s Syndrome

There are no established medications that specifically target AS. Occasionally, antipsychotics can be prescribed and are FDA-approved only for irritability in ASD. 

Treatment is largely focused on behavioral, speech, occupational, and physical therapies, and special education depending on the needs of the child. Several other alternative methods have been informally used in treating ASD.

These treatments may include special diets, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and herbal medicines (borneol and borax). 

The omega-3 fatty acid is one of the most popular dietary supplements for individuals with ASD. 

Although omega-3 fatty acid is commonly known for its benefits on brain development and function, the hypothesis behind its use on ASD is still not supported by scientific studies ⁽³²⁾. 

Like omega-3 fatty acids, CBD oil has been shown to have some neurological benefits ⁽³³⁾. 

Researchers acknowledged that CBD might possess neurogenesis and neuroprotective properties. Moreover, CBD has also been demonstrated to act as an analgesic during animal and human studies ⁽³⁴⁾. 

Like CBD, flavonoid compounds and herbs (borneol, and borax) are used for their supposed anti-inflammation properties ⁽³⁵⁾. However, the claims made for using these alternative remedies are not supported by scientific evidence. 

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome

A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports mentioned that a clinical test using cannabis oil on ASD patients showed moderate improvements in symptoms after six months ⁽³⁶⁾. 

In the study, most of the patients were treated with 30% CBD and 1.5% THC. 

In the United States, CBD products are prohibited from containing more than 0.3% THC. Meanwhile, tinctures with more than 30% CBD concentration are available in the market. 

Parents or individuals looking into the benefits of cannabis oil for ASD may find almost the same compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil ⁽³⁷⁾. 

Cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD oil are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

The broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids except for THC. Broad-spectrum oil is recommended for individuals who do not want or cannot tolerate THC in their system.

Lastly, CBD isolate (pure CBD) is available for individuals who cannot tolerate other cannabinoids.

CBD Dosage for Asperger’s Syndrome

There is no universal dosage for CBD. However, caution is advised due to the lack of studies on how CBD might affect the individual with ASD. 

A recent study from Frontiers of Pharmacology recommended a daily dose of 16mg/kg (milligram per kilogram) ⁽³⁸⁾. 

Another study posted in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology recommended a dosage of less than 1 milligram to 50 milligrams per kilogram per day ⁽³⁹⁾.

A high CBD dosage is not recommended due to a lack of information on how CBD may affect symptoms of AS. Moreover, the FDA issued a warning that a high CBD dosage can lead to liver injury ⁽⁴⁰⁾. Other mild side effects may also occur.

How to Take CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome

The main factor to consider when administering CBD oil to young individuals with AS is cooperation. CBD oil tinctures, due to its distinct earthy and grassy taste, may be challenging to administer to children with autism spectrum disorder.

When taking CBD oil for AS, the fastest delivery method is through CBD tinctures. If parents can get the cooperation of the child, sublingual delivery may be used. 

The sublingual delivery method can be done by putting a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue. CBD oil can also be mixed into food or beverages.

CBD gummies are also recommended. An individual with ASD can simply eat the CBD gummy as they would a regular candy. 

Vaporization is another fast delivery method. However, this method may not be for everyone and is certainly not recommended for children. Vaping can potentially cause harm, such as chemical irritation, shortness of breath, allergic reactions, and chest pains ⁽⁴¹⁾.

Individuals should discuss their treatment options with a medical professional before using CBD to treat ASD or for any reason.

FAQ

Can Environmental Factors Influence Risks of Autism?

Harmful environmental factors can influence the development of critical genes during critical periods of embryo formation. This influence increases the risk of the incidence of autism ⁽⁴²⁾.

• The mother’s physical and mental health – Certain infections like rubella and a family history of ASD may increase risk, indicating a likely genetic component. 
• Lack of prenatal vitamins – Taking insufficient prenatal vitamins, that include folate, could possibly be linked to autism risk
• Socioeconomic status – There is an increased risk of autism when the mother is exposed to stress and anxiety.
• Postnatal risk – Low birth weight, postnatal infection, and jaundice may increase the risk of autism. 
• Age – Studies have found that mothers who are 34 years or older might have a higher risk of having an autistic child compared to mothers who are 25-29 years old ⁽⁴³⁾.

Are There Treatments Available for Autism?

There are no known definitive treatments that can cure an individual of autism. 

However, early behavioral interventions have been proven to improve communication skills and maximize an individual’s ability to function in society ⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Not much is known about how older children with ASD might respond to behavioral interventions.

Are CBD Oil and Medical Marijuana the Same?

CBD oil is a cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis plants, mostly from Cannabis sativa or hemp. 

Manufacturers derive the compound from hemp plants to make a more concentrated version without the psychoactive effects that one may get in medical marijuana or medical cannabis. 

In the US, it is illegal for CBD oil to contain more than 0.3% THC, which causes psychoactive effects. 

Depending on the cannabis strains used, some medical marijuana might contain as much as 17-28% THC ⁽⁴⁵⁾. Some states in the US allow recreational and medicinal use for cannabis ⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Cannabis treatments are not recommended for ASD due to a lack of knowledge of how it might affect the individual.

Individuals can monitor how much THC is in their CBD oil by checking the certificate of analysis (COA). The COA is a third-party lab result that indicates how much cannabinoids are in the product.

Can CBD Oil Interact With ASD Medication?

Before using CBD oil for autism, parents must first consult with the child’s physician. CBD oil might interact with risperidone, an antipsychotic drug to treat irritability in children with ASD. 

Risperidone, together with CBD, might increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion ⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Conclusion

Asperger’s syndrome is one of several forms of autism spectrum disorder. There is a lack of specific studies on how CBD might affect individuals with AS.

Researchers have shown that CBD might have therapeutic potential in treating symptoms of ASD ⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

However, even with parents’ testimonials, a more precise measuring system is needed to verify improvement in symptoms scientifically.

Also, definitive clinical studies without limitations are needed to verify CBD‘s efficacy and tolerability of individuals with ASD. 

Parents or individuals must consult with a developmental pediatrician before using CBD oil for autism.

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