Autism Spectrum Disorders

Written By Scott Fiore

Medical Marijuana for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder is a name used to refer to a complex set of neurodevelopmental and social characteristics. The presentation of autism varies from patient to patient. Autistic people are unique in their communication, interaction, understanding, and social skills. They express their emotions differently or do not express them at all. They have a hard time developing an understanding and bonding with others.

People with autism are generally not good at communication and interaction but they can be very talented in arts, music, and have a good memory.

Symptoms of Autism

According to DSM-5, there are two categories of ASD symptoms.

  • Communication and social interaction problems

  • Restricted repetitive activities and behaviors

Communication and social interaction problems

Autistic people find it hard to start and maintain proper communication. They usually go for short and simple conversations. There is usually a lack of emotions and feelings in their speech. Symptoms seen during a conversation include:

  • Talking in a robotic voice

  • Difficulty in sharing emotions and interests.

  • Unconfident body language

  • Improper eye contact

Autistic people experience difficulty in maintaining relationships. They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel and prefer to be alone the majority of the time.

Restricted and Repetitive Activities and Behaviors

These include:

  • The narrow range of interests

  • Doing something over and over, such as lining up toys

  • Adherence to specific routines

  • Become oversensitive to certain stimuli like sound and light.

  • Feeding and sleeping impairments

  • Rage outbursts

  • Seizures may occur in some.

How is Aspergers Different from Autism?

Asperger’s syndrome is defined as one of the types of autism spectrum disorders. Among all the patients with autism, people with Asperger’s are markedly high functioning. The term “high functioning” means that they lack the cognitive development and language problems that other autistics have. They are normally intelligent and have a casual productive lifestyle.

Statistics of autism

According to estimates, 1 in 68 children live with autism and boys have a five times greater chance of having autism than girls.

In 2010, a survey was conducted in 11 states of America to check the prevalence of autism among children of 8 years of age. The results showed that New Jersey has the most and Alabama has the least number of cases of autism.

Treatment Available for Autism

There has been no treatment successful in curing autism. For now, all the treatments are directed towards relieving the symptoms and providing a healthy and productive environment to patients. These treatments include:

Therapies

Different types of therapies for autism are:

  • Speech therapy

  • Behavioral therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Play therapy

  • Social skills training

Medications

Medications are available for symptoms like anxiety and attention problems.

Other

Parent education and training are also done to provide a supportive environment to the patient.

Relation between Autism and the endocannabinoid system

The newly discovered endocannabinoid system of the body plays a role in normal body processes like pain, mood, sleep stress, and nerve function. The endocannabinoid system is activated by the binding of endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, to the receptors. Medical marijuana and medical cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system and may have beneficial effects in helping to provide natural relief to the symptoms many patients with autism experience.

Anandamide is one of the important endocannabinoids that plays role in the endocannabinoid system. It basically inhibits the release of neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate. Any abnormality in Anandamide function results in an imbalance in GABA and glutamate levels and is linked with autism.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help in the Treatment of Autism?

Over the past few years, using medical marijuana as a natural medicine for different diseases is trending. Like many other diseases, medical marijuana has been found to be effective in treating the symptoms of autism.

A 2020 study backs up the fact that cannabis is could be an effective natural treatment option and can be utilized for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

According to research conducted in 2019 involving 150 children, significant improvement in symptoms was observed after using medical marijuana as a natural treatment for their autism spectrum disorder.

The compounds present in cannabis and medical marijauna react with the receptors of ECS and produce desirable effects on mood and behavior and reduce rage outbursts and seizures as well.

Which Strains of Medical Marijuana are Best for Treating Autism

There are different strains of medical marijuana for each symptom of autism. As presenting symptoms are different for every patient, the best strain can be chosen on the basis of personal experience which can be continually improved through a process of learning and documenting the results of the various strains of medical marijauna.

Strains commonly used are:

For seizure:

  • Charlotte’s Web

  • Grapefruit Kush

  • Black Bubba

For social problems:

  • Sour Diesel

  • Chocolope

For anxiety and anger problems:

  • Afghani

  • Green Crack

  • LA Confidential

What are the Best Ways to Take Medical Marijuana?

The target patients while treating autism are children and every method of medical marijuana consumption is not good for children. This decision should be made wisely and under expert supervision with informed consent from the patient’s parent.

Some ways to administer medical marijuana to children are:

  • Vaping

  • Sprays

  • Edibles

  • Juices

  • Tinctures

Possible Side Effects of Medical Marijuana to Keep in Mind

The positive effects of medical marijuana are evident but its overuse can be problematic to a patient’s health. Some side effects of medical marijuana misuse are

  • Dry mouth

  • Hunger

  • Red eyes

  • Drowsiness

  • Euphoria

It is advised to consult a marijuana doctor in Virginia where medical marijuana use is legalized as the patient needs supervision to help reduce the potential side effects of medical cannabis. When patients get a medical marijuana card in Virginia they are able to access the Virginia state-regulated medical marijuana dispensaries so they can have consistent access to a natural form of treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

How Can Patients get Medical Marijuana or a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

At CannabisMD TeleMed we offer Virtual and In-Office appointments to patients looking to receive their medical marijuana certificate. Using telemedicine to evaluate patients online for medical marijuana in Virginia has really expanded access of this natural treatment. Our marijuana doctor and his marijuana practitioners are able to evaluate patients online and immediately issue them a medical marijuana certificate.

Once a patient receives their medical marijuana certificate, they can submit an application online to receive their medical marijuana card. The medical cannabis card arrives in the mail within 30 days of submitting your application.

After receiving your medical marijuana card, you will be able to visit state-regulated dispensary and purchase medical marijuana. Many of the medical marijuana dispensaries allow patients to order online and get same day delivery of their marijuana medication after they have visited the location in person at least once.

If you believe you could benefit from medical marijuana, please schedule an appointment online with one of our marijuana practitioners or our marijuana doctor to explore the benefits of a natural medication from the comfort of your home using telemedicine. If at the end of your appointment you feel medical cannabis is not right for your then let the provider know and we will issue a 100% refund.

To schedule an appointment please click the Book Appointment button below!

Scott Fiore
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