October 02, 2023
- A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry examined 20 patients with autistic symptoms who had been treated with full-spectrum cannabis extracts (FCEs). The study showed that marijuana largely helps people with autism address their core symptoms. However, the study’s corresponding author painted a more complicated picture of whether and how people on the spectrum can safely consume cannabis. The researcher believes much of the performance record comes down to ratios of two drugs found in marijuana: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the drug that gets people high, and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound sought for its medicinal properties. CBD is an anti-inflammatory substance that reduces excessive synaptic activation, which creates some kind of ceiling for the level of hyper-activation the nervous system might have, a benefit for the user. On the other hand, THC causes euphoria and anxiety, so keeping the THC levels low is advisable. The study ultimately indicates that a physician should advise individuals on the spectrum before consuming cannabis.
- A recent retrospective, cross-sectional study compared children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who had an upper endoscopy to age-gender-matched controls with developmental delay (DD) or with typical development (TD) who also had the same procedure. The findings showed that children with ASD have higher rates of histologic esophagitis than children with DD or TD. The authors discovered that ASD was a significant independent predictor of abnormal esophageal but not duodenal histology. The study concludes that upper endoscopies should be recommended or at least considered for children with ASD.
- New research has found a unique association between compromised detoxification of plasticizers, specifically Bisphenol-A (BPA) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD. The metabolic consequence of exposure to these two plasticizers can have wide-ranging effects on metabolism, including altered gene expression and oxidative stress. The authors suggest that while other pathways likely lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, the plasticizer-associated path may account for many cases.
- Don’t miss NAA’s new webinar, The ABCs of IEPs. This free event takes place on October 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. PDT and will help parents navigate the special education process. Elizabeth Zielinski will present this webinar. She is an experienced special education advocate and a mother of a teenager with autism. Registration is limited to the first 500 people.
