How does CBD affect autism? Try the natural alternative!

Author: Pavel Cermak

Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, affects millions of people worldwide, with each individual exhibiting a unique set of symptoms and needs. As awareness of this disorder and its diverse manifestations grows, so does interest in new therapeutic approaches that could improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. Among the alternative treatment options, CBD is often discussed due to its potential therapeutic properties and its ability to impact various aspects of human health, including anxiety, depression, pain, and inflammation. But what are the specific effects of CBD in the treatment of autism? We will reveal that in this article and also look at the current state of research and knowledge regarding the influence of CBD on autism.

What causes autism?

The exact cause of autism is not fully understood and is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. However, the main factors associated with the development of autism include:

1. Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in the development of autism spectrum disorders. Studies show that identical twins are more likely to share a diagnosis of ASD than fraternal twins. Research has identified various genetic variants and mutations associated with ASD. One possible cause of ASD is chromosomal abnormalities (for example, Fragile X syndrome, a genetic predisposition to autism). Family history of autism is thus important.
2. Presence of neurological abnormalities: Studies show that individuals with autism may have a neurological abnormality affecting brain function. This abnormality manifests in changes in nerve structure, neurotransmitter function, and areas of the brain associated with social interaction, communication, and behavior.
3. Prenatal and perinatal factors: Some studies suggest a link between ASD and factors during pregnancy and childbirth, such as maternal infections, immune system disorders, use of certain medications during pregnancy, or high stress during pregnancy, as well as complications during delivery (insufficient oxygen supply during certain stages of delivery, head trauma during passage through the birth canal, etc.).
4. Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors may play a role in the development of autism. This can include exposure to various chemicals during pregnancy, such as toxins, social factors, prolonged inflammation, infections, exposure to toxic chemicals, and more.
5. Interaction of genetic and environmental factors: It is likely that the development of autism is the result of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. This means that an individual may have certain genetic predispositions, but the development of autism can be triggered or influenced by certain environmental factors.

It is important to note that autism is a very variable condition and may manifest differently in each individual. The exact causes may differ from person to person.

Interestingly, the same diagnosis is shared by people with above-average intelligence as well as those with mental retardation, those who spontaneously initiate contact and those who are withdrawn, calm and active with behavioral issues. Some people with this diagnosis require special education and constant supervision, while others live independently, are successful in their careers, and lead a fulfilling family life. However, in all individuals with this diagnosis, development in specific areas is impaired to the extent that the impact of the disorder on the individual and their family can be considered severe and disabling.

The prevalence of autism is increasing. It is more frequently diagnosed in boys. According to data from the American CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), in 2018, ASD affected 1 in 44 children, and by 2023, it affects 1 in 36 children.

Types of autism spectrum disorders: ASDs are called pervasive developmental disorders (pervasive = affecting the whole personality of the person).

We distinguish different types of ASD:

1. Childhood autism (also classical or Kanner's autism) – symptoms appear before the age of 3.
2. Atypical autism – appears later / does not affect the entire “triad of impairment”.
3. Rett syndrome – caused by a mutation in the X chromosome, occurs in girls, between the 7th and 18th month of age, development halts, some previously learned skills are lost, and stereotypical hand movements are typical.
4. Asperger syndrome (often referred to as the “little professor” syndrome), intelligence is usually average to above average, intense and unusual interest in a specific area, problems with peer relationships, and they are difficult for others to understand.
5. Atypical autism is a diagnostic category that was created to diagnose children who appear to be autistic but do not meet all the criteria for childhood autism.

Depending on the severity of impairment, autism is sometimes divided into low-functioning to high-functioning or autism with mild to severe symptoms. This primarily concerns the number and depth of autism manifestations.

How does autism manifest?

Autism manifests differently in each individual, but symptoms typically appear in early childhood.

More or less, most individuals with autism have difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

1. Social interaction: Behavior in groups, difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships, may not be able to understand social cues or emotional expressions of others.
2. Communication: Problems with verbal communication, including difficulties with language development and comprehension, or preference for non-verbal communication.
3. Limited interests and repetitive behaviors: People with autism often display limited but intense interests and have a need to maintain routines and repeat certain behaviors.
4. Sensitivity to sensory stimuli: Many individuals with autism have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as light, sound, touch, or smell. They may have difficulty regulating these stimuli and may react excessively or oppositely, avoiding or intensifying them.
5. Imagination (play): People with ASD may have various difficulties with imagination and play.

Problems in this area include:

• Limited imagination and creation of games: It may be difficult for them to imagine or create fictional situations, which can affect their ability to play more complex roles or participate in imaginative play with others.
• Fixation on a specific topic or interest: Some individuals with autism may have their interest fixed on a specific narrow topic or activity, limiting their ability to engage in other play.

Some people with autism may have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms and require greater support and care.

How is autism diagnosed?

The diagnosis of autism is a complex process that includes the following steps:

1. Behavioral and developmental assessment: The diagnosis of autism begins with the observation and evaluation of the child’s behavior by a doctor, psychologist, or child development specialist. Social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors and interests, and other areas characteristic of autism are assessed.
2. History taking: The doctor or specialist also conducts a thorough interview with the child’s parents or guardians to gather information about the child’s development from birth to the present. This includes information about language development, social interactions, motor skills, and other key areas.
3. Assessment of symptoms according to diagnostic criteria: The diagnosis of autism usually follows diagnostic criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals such as the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The child must meet a specified number of symptoms and criteria for an autism diagnosis.
4. Exclusion of other possible causes: The doctor also works to exclude other possible causes of the child’s behavior that could have similar symptoms to autism, such as other developmental disorders, genetic syndromes, or neurological conditions.
5. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team: The diagnosis of autism often requires the collaboration of various specialists, including a pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech therapist, and other professionals.
6. Completion of the diagnosis: If the child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism and no other explanatory causes for their behavior are present, the doctor may establish a diagnosis of autism.

How is autism treated?

Treatment, like symptoms, is highly individual.

However, it can be approached according to the following points:

1. Behavioral and Communication Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on developing social, communication, and behavior-oriented skills. Common forms of behavioral therapy include ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), which focuses on changing undesirable behavior and reinforcing positive behavior.
2. Speech Therapy: Speech therapy can help individuals with autism improve communication skills, including speech, comprehension, alternative communication methods (such as using pictures or communicators), and language development.
3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on developing skills necessary for daily life, such as self-care, motor skills, social interactions, and sensory integration.
4. Pharmacotherapy: In some cases, medication may be considered to manage certain symptoms associated with autism, such as attention problems, anxiety, aggressive behavior, or hyperactivity. Treatment is individualized, and medications are used cautiously and under medical supervision.
5. Family Support and Therapy: Family support and therapy are important for providing emotional support and teaching families how to better understand the needs and behavior of a child with autism. Parents and other family members can also gain skills and strategies to help better support and interact with the child.
6. Inclusive Education and Support at School: For children with autism, it is important to provide an inclusive environment at school that allows them to successfully participate in the educational process. This may include individualized support plans, special educational programs, and support from special educators and therapists.

In the case of various pharmacotherapy applications (conventional drugs), a great deal of attention from parents focuses on hemp- specifically CBD - and seeks a natural alternative to help improve autism symptoms.

How does CBD work for autism (ASD)?

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves sleep
• Reduces aggression and impulsivity
• Promotes social interactions
• Improves hyperactivity and attention/focus issues
• Improves psychomotor development (vocabulary, comprehension, independence, etc.)
• Improves appetite (significantly expands the diet)
• Reduces obsessive habits

Does CBD have side effects for autism?

CBD has very minimal side effects, but upon starting CBD, the following may occur:

• More frequent stools, changes in consistency/diarrhea
• Increased activity
• Worsened sleep
• Short-term worsening of ASD-related symptoms

If any side effects persist, it is recommended to stop using CBD and consult a hemp counselor for further guidance.

How do we recommend using CBD for autism?

We generally recommend starting with a 5% concentration for children, which is usually divided throughout the day – ideally at least twice daily, and after 5-7 days, the dosage is increased. If there is severe hyperactivity or aggression (where the individual harms themselves or others), you can start with a 10% CBD oil.

Additionally, CBG or hemp oil with fish oil and CBD can be added – this is just one part of the puzzle, and for a more comprehensive effect, it's important to contact us via the hemp consultation, provide us with details about the condition (genetic, post-vaccination, hyperactivity), and we will prepare a personalized dosage and product recommendation.

For adults, we start with a 10% concentration of CBD, combined with hemp oil in fish oil with CBD. Take a teaspoon in the morning for 14 days, and CBD oil at noon and in the evening.

What other products do we recommend for autism?

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (found in hemp oil or seeds) help in the restoration and growth of neurons, high-quality magnesium, and vitamin B complex – primarily focusing on B12 in the form of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin (or a combination of both), high-quality probiotics. Additionally, therapy should be supported by various diets (eliminating sugars, gluten, or lactose).

If there is suspicion that autism is related to vaccinations, it is a good idea to target detoxifying the body from heavy metals (forest blueberries, dulse seaweed, Hawaiian spirulina, coriander leaves, green barley).

Endocannabinoid System and Autism

In 2019, in a review paper titled "The Relationship Between the Endocannabinoid System and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Overview and Potential for Therapy," scientists stated: "New evidence of a strong link between the endocannabinoid system and the pathophysiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders and ASD. Literature findings also suggest that CBD may alleviate many conditions associated with ASD, such as seizures, gastrointestinal issues, anxiety and depression, attention deficits, and sleep problems."

Parents confirm this. In 2019, Israeli researchers studied the parents of 53 children and adolescents aged 4 to 22, who were given CBD oil drops orally for an average of 66 days. Self-harming and anger issues improved by almost 68%, hyperactivity improved by 68%, 71% slept better, and 47% had less anxiety. In some cases, symptoms worsened: for example, 24% seemed more nervous. Otherwise, the results were mostly positive. Mild changes in appetite and feelings of drowsiness were reported as mild side effects of CBD.

Another study published in Nature in 2019 analyzed data from 188 children with ASD who were treated with technical hemp– mostly CBD-rich hemp oil – between 2015 and 2017. After six months of treatment, nearly a third of participants reported significant improvement, and more than half reported mild improvement in a quality of life questionnaire measuring mood and the ability to function independently.

More research is, of course, needed to provide more specific recommendations, but hemp is worth discussing with a general practitioner who is knowledgeable about CBD therapies and hemp. In some cases, remarkable improvement in children can occur with very small doses, says Dr. B. Goldstein, author of the book "Cannabis is Medicine" and director of Canna-Centers, a California medical practice dedicated to educating patients on the use of hemp for serious and chronic health problems.

"I had a patient, a little boy, who came in with autism," says Goldstein. "The parents were desperate." So, they tried a little – and I mean really a small dose of CBD – before they came into my office and told me that after a week on such a low dose, the teacher noticed the child was doing better. The teacher didn’t know the boy was using CBD oil. But one day, the boy’s mother was stopped after school and asked: "Okay, what’s going on? What’s different?" Even with this small dose, about 4 or 5 milligrams, they saw this incredible benefit in this child.”

On the other hand, Dr. Goldstein also encounters patients who require much higher doses, and no one can really say why because CBD oil works on a cellular level, and it’s not easy to measure. "You can’t precisely determine what will work for someone based on their weight or medical condition." You won’t know until you try it and see," she says.

 

What are the experiences with autism and CBD?

Tobík (9 years old) – Childhood Autism, Intellectual Disability, Hypersensitivity

Tobík is a cheerful, affectionate boy with childhood autism, moderate intellectual disability, and hypersensitivity. Due to sensory overload, he often reacted with aggression, had strong emotional outbursts, withdrew into his own world, and was generally very restless.

When we tried CBD drops four years ago, we were skeptical. The surprise was even greater – after just a few days, we noticed calming effects. Tobík concentrates better, is more “present” with us, the outbursts decreased, and his tension significantly lessened.

Today, he uses about 50 functional words, manages counting, has started writing, and spends most of the day calm and connected with us. When we stopped CBD for a while after three years, restlessness and tension quickly returned – that’s when we realized how much the drops help him.

Currently, Tobík takes 10% CBD – 1 drop in the morning and 1 in the evening. This is the ideal dosage for him.

Tobík’s Mom

 

CBD for Daughter – 11 years old, ASD, Restlessness, Emotional Outbursts, Concentration Issues

We started giving Františka CBD hemp oil when she was 4 years old, as she was very restless, hypersensitive, and unfocused. She was practically unmanageable – cooperation was impossible, she often had emotional outbursts and mild self-harm.

After just a few weeks of use, she began to calm down, understand what we said, and follow simple instructions. Later, we discovered her patience, curiosity, and ability to learn – she started playing, doing puzzles, and showed interest in books and numbers.

By age 7, she was using many words and is happy at her special school. When we stopped CBD, restlessness and overload quickly returned, so we resumed the oil.

Until age 8, we used 5% CBD oil (up to 5 drops morning and evening); since then, we give 20% oil – 1 drop morning and evening. CBD didn’t help with sleep or food sensitivity, but it has been extremely beneficial for Františka’s mental well-being.

Františka’s Mom

 

CBD Capsules for Autism and Severe Intellectual Disability

My son, diagnosed with a severe form of autism, intellectual disability, expressive speech disorder, and challenging behavior, started taking CBD capsules at age 18. After just one week of taking 1 capsule three times daily, we noticed significant calming, improved concentration, and increased appetite. Aggressive behaviors persisted but gradually diminished.

When we tried increasing the dose to 2 capsules twice daily, he became restless, cried, and lost appetite, so we returned to the original dose, which works well for him long-term.

We also observe positive effects on his immune system – he rarely gets sick, and his allergy symptoms during pollen season improved significantly. I also appreciate his increased efforts at nonverbal communication and that he generally seems more balanced.

Veronika Borečná

CBD + CBG for a 17-Year-Old Nonverbal Boy

Luky is a seventeen-year-old boy diagnosed with childhood autism, severe intellectual disability, and hyperkinetic syndrome. He is nonverbal, understands speech only partially, and caring for him is very demanding. We communicate with him using pictures and explain various situations that he otherwise would not understand. Since he was three years old, he has struggled with serious health issues – including severe constipation that required hospitalization, and eczema on his scalp in the form of large, bloody patches.

We treated the eczema for years with dermatologists using corticosteroid creams, but the effect was always only temporary. After consulting with Mr. Čermák, we first tried a hemp shampoo that soothed the skin, but the real breakthrough came with a hemp ointment. After four months of regular application, there was a significant improvement – the eczema no longer bleeds, the patches are small, and only minor flakes remain. Luky felt noticeable relief and finally stopped scratching and hurting himself.

At the same time, we also started giving him CBD and CBG drops and hemp oil in fish oil capsules, which we gradually introduced after years of increasing medication. Luky has been very active since he was little, with significant mood swings and almost no sleep – often running and jumping until completely exhausted. Since age four, he had to take strong medication to prevent self-harm. After starting the hemp drops, we managed to reduce his sleep medication dosage by a third and completely stop one mood-stabilizing drug, which I consider a huge success.

Today, Luky is cheerful most of the time, able to concentrate at school and home, capable of completing tasks, and manages everyday changes in routine. He falls asleep around 8:30 PM and sleeps through the night. Mood episodes occur only rarely, and he is a great companion on outings with other children.

I am immensely grateful that we discovered hemp products – they truly are changing our lives for the better and helping Luky significantly. Thank you.

Luky’s Mom

CBD oil 5% and autism in my daughter

Hello. So far, we have only been using CBD 5% hemp oil for our daughter with autism. We are still at the beginning, but I feel that her vocabulary is improving, and she is starting to form more meaningful sentences. We will definitely continue with this and plan to try other products of yours.

Eva Černá

Our experience with CBD oil for our daughter with ASD

Daughter of Františka, 7 years old

We started using CBD oil when she was 4 years old, and she made significant progress. Her emotional outbursts calmed down, she became more peaceful, and she started focusing on learning new skills, which was impossible before—she was very restless, unfocused, and irritable, and it was impossible to do anything with her.

After a few weeks of use, we realized that she started responding to us, started looking at what we showed her, and began understanding simple instructions. Occasionally, she repeated something for the first time, but that was minimal at first, and after a while, she seemed to forget it.

Over time, she became much calmer, and we discovered that she is an extremely calm, patient, and teachable child. She started assembling puzzles, became interested in many things (ALBI talking books, playdough, watercolors, fairy tales), and began creating her own systems with objects. Previously, she just scattered everything aimlessly and couldn't cooperate at all, often having tantrums (anger, crying, mild self-harm).

Now, at 7 years old, she repeats many words, asks for what she needs, is interested in letters and numbers, attends a special school, and is happy there, enjoying going.

We have been giving her CBD 5% oil regularly since she was 4. We started with one drop per day and gradually increased it to the current 5 drops in the morning and 5 drops in the evening.

Hemp oil does not work for her sleep or to improve hypersensitivity to different foods.

Besides the hemp oil, we regularly give her fish oil from autumn to spring, which helps her. Vitamin B does not suit her—after taking it, she becomes extremely hyperactive and doesn't sleep at all. We occasionally give her other vitamins and homeopathic remedies.

Jana S.

Autism and CBD

We have been using products from Cannadora for about 5 years since my son was diagnosed with autism. We use hemp oil, teas, and seeds daily and will definitely continue to do so. Currently, we have become fond of the CBD toothpaste. Our dog also loves the hemp hearts. :)

Alena Fenclová

CBD + CBG oil for daughter with ADHD and autism

We are using CBD+CBG oil. We’ve only been using it for a week. I got it for my daughter, who has an autism spectrum disorder combined with ADHD.

I can say that even though we've only been using it for a week, I can already see differences. She is more affectionate, has significantly better eye contact, and is more interested in things like books. In the garden, she points to flowers, etc. She didn’t speak, only said "mami" and "babi." Now she says "come," "sleep," and "baby." The change after just a week is big, and I hope the progress continues to grow. Thank you so much for the CBD and CBG and for your advice.

Using CBD products for ASD, ADHD, and others

Good morning,

I have a 9-year-old son with ASD, ADHD, nonverbal behavior, aggression, executive dysfunction, epilepsy, and we regularly use hemp products.

I thought about the changes I noticed during the use of products (specifically CBD drops, CBG oil, and hemp oil with fish oil):

• Overall better mood
• Better comprehension
• More respect for external demands
• Lower illness rate
• Significantly fewer rages and emotional outbursts
• Ability to accept compromises
• Easier motivation
• Willingness to wait

Veronika Házlová

Seizures stopped in daughter, better communication

We take 5% CBD oil daily, 4 drops twice a day. We also take neuotreska supplements and omega.

Our daughter has changed a lot during this time. The seizures from her disagreement stopped and are now rare. She communicates more, is starting to use words, is more independent, and learned to use the potty on her own.

She cooperates, plays with other children, and has started attending kindergarten, where she is amazing. Big changes for us.

We still struggle with food due to sensory issues, only eating dry food.

Anděla

Big changes after using products

Hello, we want to greet you and thank you for what you do for us. Since I last reached out, there has been a big change. Terezka started attending a regular kindergarten with an assistant, and she can function there, complete tasks, and follow the routine. Overall, she is calmer, more willing to do things she doesn’t want to, upon request.

Her understanding has progressed so much that it blew me away. Our daughter now understands me, and she has started using words slowly. We also use cards, which she is handling brilliantly. We are preparing a communication book for her, which is the next step for us, and I’m curious to see how it goes. We take 5 drops of CBD 5%, omega, and neuotreska as we discussed with you.

Monika

CBD and CBG for son with atypical autism

My son has atypical autism, mental retardation, developmental dysphasia, and a genetic disorder.

We use CBD and CBG from you, and they help him a lot.

We started with 5% CBD and gradually increased it to 20% CBD.

At a dose of 5% CBD, 6 drops twice a day, we noticed a big improvement in his focus, and his speech improved significantly.

We gradually increased to 20% CBD and 5% CBG, 10/6 drops twice a day. With that, I observed restlessness in my son, so we reduced it back to 4/4 drops twice a day.

Otherwise, I attribute the significant improvement in all areas of his life, especially in focus, which he needs in school.

Thank you very much for helping my son.

Šárka Dluhušová

Using CBD for ASD

Good day, my son will turn four in May.

In the morning, I give him drops from you with CBD and CBG, always two drops in his drink. Then he gets other dietary supplements. I just wanted to say that my son is making incredible progress. I don't want to jinx it. He shows things, names everything, and plays functionally. This was completely sci-fi for us just a year ago.

He attends kindergarten with an assistant and is starting to get involved. I only see positives in the supplements, and I would say especially in the drops from you, as it corresponds to about a year since he started taking them, and since then everything has gotten better and better.

Ilona Nová

The best experience

The best experience - I give CBD oil to my sons. My seven-year-old son has ASD, and my five-year-old son has mixed developmental dysphasia. Both have made progress in focus, and my older son has far fewer emotional outbursts and is much more balanced.

Maruška

World Autism Day

World Autism Day is celebrated every April 2nd, and the typical color is blue.

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make up about 2% of the global population, which is about 148 million people. In the Czech Republic, an estimated 200,000 people live with autism. The blue color is characteristic of this day, and many institutions light up their buildings in blue or people wear blue clothing, as it is seen as a color essential for human understanding.

CBD Oil and the Story of a Three-Year-Old Autistic Boy

Our Son Tadeáš’s Story

Our son was born at full term by planned C-section. During my pregnancy, I didn’t drink alcohol or engage in any other harmful habits that could endanger the baby. The only shadow over it all was a congenital defect of the lower limbs — either genetic or due to a lack of space in the womb. Only time will tell which type it is.

Immediately after birth, I began addressing his leg condition, traveling weekly to the University Hospital in Plzeň for alignment and casting. Otherwise, everything seemed perfectly fine. This was followed by surgery. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well, so I went to consult the hospital's procedure at an orthopedic clinic in Prague. There, he underwent corrective surgery, and it was discovered that his hip had been dislocated since the womb and that he didn’t have a developed hip socket.

This led to a month and a half in the hospital, where he was suspended 23 hours a day from a metal frame, with his little body tied to the bed. But he was incredibly brave and positive. At that time, he loved looking at picture books, pointing out animals, and making the sounds they make. :)

The Second Anesthesia Changed Our Lives

Then came the second anesthesia — which, as I later realized, changed our lives. After a two-hour procedure, he came back to me in a full body cast from his chest down to his ankles. He reacted poorly to the anesthesia and had muscle spasms for nearly a week. Around that time, his laughter began to fade, eye contact disappeared, interaction stopped, and all communication ceased. All that was left was screaming and crying.

In the end, the situation developed into this: at 3.5 years old, Tadeášek functions at the level of an 18-month-old toddler. He has a comprehension disorder, severe ADHD, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder. Since all of these require a large number of tests, the diagnostic process takes a long time — especially because Tadeášek is basically untestable in standard conditions. For example, we travel to Motol Hospital for hearing and vision exams, where they specialize in examining children like him.

The official diagnosis didn’t come until he was three years old. By that time, he was already on psychiatric medication due to severe temper outbursts that lasted up to six hours. During these episodes, he would scream, hit himself in the head, bang his head against the wall or floor, pinch himself, and even poke his stomach and legs with sharp objects.

The medication helped — the episodes became much shorter — but before we started using CBD, he could have 20 to 30 of them a day.

How We Found Our Way to CBD

Well… to be honest, I had been thinking about CBD for a long time, because Tadeášek had been unhappy and unmanageable since he was about two years old — which is a time when you can’t really do much medically. So I started looking for alternative treatment options, simply trying to delay the need for medication as long as possible. We tried homeopathy, tissue salts, herbal remedies, fish oil, relaxation exercises, massages — basically everything we could.

Of course, I also came across articles about CBD and autism.

But I was afraid to buy drops for my son from someone “random.” However, Tadeášek’s condition kept getting worse, and it eventually reached a point where my older daughter ran away to her grandmother’s house. At just eleven years old, she was emotionally drained, had developed tics, and cried constantly. It was just too much.

So I decided to try CBD from someone “random”… and, well, the rest you can read below :))

 

CBD Oil and the First Effects

My son is three and a half years old and weighs 20 kg (44 lbs). He had been on psychiatric medication — Risperdal — for a long time. Unfortunately, after about a year, the effect started to wear off, and we were facing the possibility of adding another medication. Risperdal alone is already a serious thing :( So I ordered CBD oil with 5% CBD content and THC under 0.2%.

The effect of CBD was unbelievable. Let me give you two situations — the first one is what used to be typical for us, and the second one is what happened after introducing CBD.

A Visit to the Store Without CBD Oil

Just getting ready to go outside was a problem. My son would scream, cry, hit himself and those around him, crash into things, refuse to get dressed, and wouldn’t get into the stroller… it was hell. The whole ordeal took one to two hours, after which he was essentially forcibly placed into a special stroller, and amid intense screaming, we were able to set off (we always prepare him in advance with pictures and explanations so he understands where we're going — we only go to one specific store that he knows and where they know us, so the staff there aren’t shocked by his screaming and tantrums).

On the way, he would have multiple meltdowns. He’d freak out either because we were taking a different route than usual or because we refused to pull every single leaf off a tree for him. He has a special stroller, so when he starts thrashing around, I can strap him in with a special harness so he doesn’t hurt himself. The journey was exhausting, especially for him — that’s how drained and worn out from screaming he was by the time we entered the store.

Inside, the same thing continued — we couldn’t turn into a different aisle (heaven forbid they’d moved something), and it would trigger screaming, desperate crying, and hitting himself. This would alternate with him repeating greetings to the staff over and over until someone responded. If someone did respond, it would trigger another tantrum. We had to use only one self-checkout because at the regular registers he would pull items off the conveyor belt and hit the plexiglass divider in front of the cashier.

 

We left the store amid more screaming because they had removed the food counter near the exit, and he wanted fries, which he obviously couldn’t get. That happened a long time ago, but he was still screaming about it. Then came the trip home, with several mandatory stops like the pet store, where he had to look at the aquariums with fish, and the bus stop. We take the bus home — if there aren’t too many people, it’s relatively calm. The ride takes about 5 minutes — if it were more than 10, we’d have to get off.

Finally, just the ride in the elevator — where he would kick the metal paneling with his foot, bang on everything within reach, and scream. Our neighbors always knew when we got home :) — by the way, no one in the building greets us anymore. I don’t blame them, but it still stings a bit.

And that… was just a trip to the store.

A Visit to the Store After Using CBD Oil

My son doesn’t want to go outside — he shows it by making “ee” sounds, not by screaming or hitting. I wait a little, then go get dressed and prepare the necessary things. He runs up with a diaper and socks, showing he wants to get dressed. I dress him, and he climbs into the stroller himself and points for me to buckle him in. I fasten the straps, and he reminds me he wants his drink, which he gets (he drinks from a bottle). If I forget something, I can calmly go back for it without screaming or fear that he’ll flip the stroller over. He just needs reassurance that we’re really going.

We head out, and on the way down in the elevator, he kicks the wall. I say, “No, no, we don’t do that,” and he stops and repeats to himself: “No-no, naughty-naughty!” 😊

Outside, it’s all about greetings — he says hello to people, animals, cars, anything. He notices route changes and gets upset, but we can manage without major scenes or meltdowns. Same in the store — occasionally he yells, but calms down quickly. He greets everyone and enthusiastically says hi to the shop assistants. There’s a bit of a scene at the checkout — that’s our weak spot — but even the disappointment about not getting fries passes within a few minutes. We get to the bus stop and WAIT without any major fuss.

We head home without issues. He greets everyone along the way, waves and blows kisses when we get off — and people wave and blow kisses back. 😊 You can’t imagine how beautiful that feels. He almost wrecks the elevator again, but it’s more of a mischievous thing now, not because he’s upset or overwhelmed.

 

Summary of CBD Use

So this is how the six drops affect him. Oh, and he’s started sleeping better — no more night terrors, and he even naps in the afternoon now. He’s overall calmer, but not drowsy — compared to other kids, he’s still a little dragon :) But a happy dragon. He laughs, he talks (in his own way, but still talks), and he learns much better — as if he finally hears and sees what’s going on around him, as if he finally has the space to perceive and focus.

Another thing: we used to have a very restricted diet, but with CBD, he’s started tasting new things — even sweets. Before, he wouldn’t have put them in his mouth at all. He still doesn’t love them (which I’m glad about), but at least now he doesn’t gag or feel sick when he tries them. :)

To conclude — I tried weaning him off Risperdal, but unfortunately, things got worse, so we’re still on it. I’ve now ordered 10% CBD oil because we’re heading to a rehabilitation spa soon, and it’s going to be very challenging again. Last year, I lost half my hair and 17 kilos. 😅 I came home covered in bruises and with a black eye. It was hell — but it helped my son a lot (especially with motor skills), so we’re going again this year. Hopefully, we’ll manage it better this time. :)

Please feel free to publish this email — if it convinces even one parent to give CBD a try, I’ll be very happy. I truly believe that at the end of it all, there will be another happy and content child — and a more peaceful environment for everyone around them.

Cannadorra sincerely thanks the mother for sharing her story and wishes little Tadeáš lots of smiles and strength in life. 😊

Excerpt from The Essential Guide to CBD by the editors of Reader’s Digest & Project CBD. Copyright, Project CBD. Not to be reprinted without permission.

References

• Dana Barchel et al., “Oral Administration of Cannabidiol in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder for the Treatment of Related Symptoms and Comorbidities,” Frontiers in Pharmacology 9 (January 9, 2019): 1521.
• Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider et al., “Real Life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficiency,” Nature.com (January 17, 2019).
• Hemp Discussion “New Developments in Cannabis Medicine with Bonni Goldstein,” CBD Project (March 9, 2020).
• Stephen Schultz and Dario Siniscalco, “The Connection of the Endocannabinoid System with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review with Potential Therapeutic Applications,” AIMS Molecular Science 6, no. 1 (May 13, 2019): 27–37.