Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), popularly known as autism, is a developmental disorder that occurs mainly in childhood and mainly affects communicative and social interaction functions and cognitive functions such as attention, concentration. , behavioral inhibition and mental flexibility.
It has a prevalence of 1 %( 2) and can also be diagnosed late.
There are different profiles of people with autism, some capable of maintaining an autonomous life while others can develop a high degree of dependence due to the severity of the symptoms. Asperger syndrome, for example, is considered part of ASD but without the appearance of intellectual dysfunctions.
Autism can be accompanied by other conditions of emotional origin such as depression, anxiety and insomnia and even episodes of self-harm. These factors may be a consequence of communication and social difficulties, such as not understanding what behavior to expect from others; or what others expect.
Furthermore, in 10-30% of cases, ASD is associated with epilepsy, a factor that can subsequently worsen the clinical picture.
(1-3-4)
People's profiles can be very variable, depending on how different functions are affected:
(1-3-4)
The main cause of autism seems to be represented by genetic factors whose expression can be facilitated or hindered by environmental factors, although currently the genetic causes can be traced in only 15% of cases.
There is scientific evidence that considers an imbalance of the immune system in the maternal organism as a risk factor for the development of ASD, which would cause the same problem in the person with ASD, who would also develop a chronic inflammatory state at a neurological level throughout the Nervous Central System. (8)
The most effective treatments focus on psychosocial intervention strategies to improve the development of cognitive, social and communicative functions, optimizing children's learning method at an intellectual and behavioral level.
Pharmacological treatments are prescribed primarily to treat emotional and behavioral problems and relieve anxiety, nervousness, impulsivity and depression.
(1-3-4)
Unlike internal use, through which it is possible to administer CBD in different dosages, with external use, the dosage is more fixed and standardized. Applying a greater amount of product does not increase its absorption.
Depending on the size of the area of the body you want to treat, 1-2ml (the equivalent of half a teaspoon of coffee) can be used for smaller areas such as the knee or neck, while for larger areas such as the back or the entire leg can be used up to 10ml.
Three to five applications can be use daily. It is very important to massage gently until complete absorption to optimize the bioavailability of the CBD oil, the effect of which can last 2-3 hours.
There are studies both in animals and in children with ASD that have shown an alteration in the functioning of the Endocannabinoid System responsible for maintaining the balance of our body, recording:
(5-8)
Thanks to its properties, CBD can represent a very valuable therapeutic tool for people who suffer from ASD, providing:
In one study (5) an improvement in behavioral symptoms has been recorded in 61% of the participants after treatment with sublingual CBD oil, while in others a cognitive, communicative and social improvement has also been observed consequently on the quality of life. It is also important to mention an improvement in sleep problems, hyperactivity and episodes of self-harm, in addition to the beneficial effects in case of epilepsy. (6-7-9)
According to the evidence on its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, CBD would represent a first-choice tool to improve chronic inflammation at a neurological level and the body's immune response, (8) which could lead to different types of improvement.
Traces of THC are present in the oils used in the studies due to its importance in promoting the effect of CBD as part of the broad-spectrum extraction, but never in its pure form due to its psychoactive effects that can negatively affect children with ASD. (5-6-7-9)
Therefore, it should not be avoided, although it is advisable not to exceed low levels in products that maintain a CBD: THC ratio of approximately 20:1.
In autism, in order to take advantage of the benefits of CBD it is necessary to use it internally (not regulated in the EU).
In some studies, doses of 0.7 to 2 mg per kg of weight per day have been used, without exceeding an amount of 40 mg to 70 mg per day. Other studies, however, have used high doses of up to 600 mg of CBD per day, although it may be that, Due to the biphasic effect, other side effects such as drowsiness or restlessness may appear (5-6-7-9).
For this reason, it is advisable to use a medium concentration oil (5-10%), starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing until the effects appear. In any case, it is always advisable to be able to obtain advice and follow-up with a specialized health professional.
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Neuropsychologist | Specialised in treatments with Medical Cannabis
Tommaso Bruscolini (Rimini, Italy) is a neuropsychologist and phytotherapist based in Barcelona, where he has been running his private practice since 2014, both in person and online, where he formulates and produces different preparations with all kinds of medicinal plants, as well as making personalised recommendations.
A member of the Official College of Psychologists of Catalonia and qualified as a Health Psychologist, he is a specialist in Neuropsychology, the branch that studies the brain and its neurological function. Tommaso complements his training with studies in Phytotherapy and Herbalism at the Guild of Herbalists of Catalonia and two Masters, one in Nutrition and Herbal Dietetics and the other in Mindfulness.
In recent years she has specialised in Medical Cannabis, through private training and collaborations with different entities in the world of Medical Cannabis, coordinating for a year a clinic specialising in cannabinoid medicine, carrying out consultations, writing articles, talks, training courses as well as carrying out consultations and patient follow-up.
He currently collaborates with several entities of the cannabis sector in Spain, among other things he is the coordinator of the therapeutic area of the magazine DolceVita España, consultant in the SmokingMap portal, collaborator of the Unión de Pacientes por la Regulación del Cannabis (UPRC) and Alpha-Cat certified technician to perform cannabinoid analysis.
What fascinates him most about the Cannabis plant is the possibility it has to change the current medicinal and therapeutic paradigm towards a more holistic vision as it acts on our body, mind and mood, in a synergic way.
