April 2025 marks World Autism Acceptance Month, beginning with World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday, 2nd April. This month is dedicated to increasing understanding of autism, addressing the difficulties faced by autistic individuals, and raising funds to support them and their families.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Autism: Why It Matters
- What is Autism?
- Recognising Autism Symptoms
- How is Autism Diagnosed?
- Conventional Autism Treatments
- Cannabis and Autism Therapy
- How Cannabis Can Help Manage Autism
- Considering Cannabis for Autism Treatment
Understanding Autism: Why It Matters
In the UK, an estimated 700,000 children and adults are autistic, meaning more than 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum. Despite growing awareness of neurodivergence, autistic individuals still face challenges in education, employment, and social integration.
According to the National Autistic Society:
- Only 26% of autistic students feel satisfied in the classroom.
- Merely 30% of autistic adults are in employment.
- 8 out of 10 autistic individuals struggle with mental health conditions.
Fundraising efforts during World Autism Acceptance Month aim to provide support and resources to address these challenges.
Related: Study finds cannabis-mums gave birth to children with normal brains
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a form of neurodivergence that affects how a person experiences and interacts with the world. It is a lifelong condition that individuals are born with, but it is not a disease or something that requires a “cure.” Instead, autism means that a person’s brain functions differently from neurotypical individuals.
Recognising Autism Symptoms
Autism is experienced uniquely by each individual. The term autistic spectrum refers not just to the degree of autism but also to the different combinations of traits a person may exhibit. However, autistic individuals often differ from neurotypical individuals in their ways of thinking, feeling, and communicating.
According to the NHS, autistic individuals may:
- Struggle with communication and social interaction.
- Find it difficult to understand how others think or feel.
- Experience sensory sensitivities, feeling overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises.
- Feel anxious or distressed in unfamiliar social situations.
- Take longer to process and understand information.
- Engage in repetitive behaviours or thoughts.
Many autistic people experience sensory overload, also called sensory processing difficulties, where they may be highly sensitive to touch, smell, taste, or even their internal states, such as hunger and temperature.
How is Autism Diagnosed?
A formal autism diagnosis requires evaluation by a panel of medical professionals who assess specific traits and behavioural patterns. These assessments often focus on communication styles, interests, and social interactions.
The diagnosis process generally involves:
- A GP referral for an autism assessment.
- Long waiting times for NHS evaluations, prompting some individuals to seek private healthcare options.
- Completion of questionnaires, medical history reviews, and discussions with someone who knew the individual from childhood.
Related: Medical cannabis and road safety in the United Kingdom
Conventional Autism Treatments
There is no universal treatment for autism, but most interventions focus on managing symptoms and addressing the challenges faced by autistic individuals.
Common therapies include:
- Speech and language therapy to aid communication.
- Occupational therapy to develop essential life skills.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other talking therapies.
- Social skills training to improve interpersonal interactions.
- Medications for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Cannabis and Autism Therapy
When traditional treatments prove ineffective, cannabis-based therapy is emerging as an alternative option for managing autism in the UK.
Many autistic individuals also struggle with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Medical cannabis has shown promising results in alleviating these symptoms. Notably, 50% of autistic individuals also suffer from anxiety disorders, one of the key conditions for which cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are prescribed.
Preliminary research suggests that CBD and THC, two active compounds in cannabis, may benefit autistic individuals. Although more clinical trials are needed, existing observational studies and real-world data indicate substantial improvements in quality of life.
A UK-based patient study reported that after one month of medical cannabis treatment:
- Autistic individuals experienced a better quality of life.
- One-third of participants stopped using benzodiazepines.
- Benefits extended beyond individuals, positively impacting their families and caregivers.
Related: 1.8 million Brits seek medicinal cannabis through illegal channels
How Cannabis Can Help Manage Autism
Real-Life Testimonies
Many autistic individuals have shared their experiences of cannabis-based therapy and how it has improved their lives.
Vincent’s Story
Vincent, who struggles with severe anxiety, describes how medical cannabis has positively impacted his life:
“I have Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD, which makes social interactions and recognising social cues difficult. Since starting medical cannabis, I feel my life is improving. My confidence is growing, I’m engaging in conversations again, and I feel less isolated.”
Toms Experience
Tom, another individual managing autism, explains how cannabis has helped him with daily life management:
“Before using medical cannabis, I would obsess over minor details—things that wouldn’t matter to neurotypical individuals but could ruin my entire day. Now, I don’t get stuck on them as much. While it’s not a cure-all, it has helped me with concentration, anxiety, and maintaining my energy levels.”
Considering Cannabis for Autism Treatment
For those exploring new treatment options, consulting a medical professional is always advised before starting cannabis-based therapy.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.
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