Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents quite a few challenges that affect individuals differently, making the quest for understanding and treating it all the more critical. Amidst this search for knowledge, a compelling body of Research was reviewed and shared by the Global Cannabinoid Research Center today by The Researcher OG in Celebration of Global Autism Acceptance Day, which is April 2nd.
Endocannabinoid System Dysfunction in Autism: Research Review, centered around a 2019 study by Aran et al. (2019). It points to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a critical player in the mystery of ASD. The ECS is an intricate network within our body. As many know, it is crucial for maintaining balance and regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and cognitive processes. This system's potential link to ASD opens new avenues for understanding and intervention.
A Groundbreaking Study and What It Reveals About ASD
Researchers embarked on a groundbreaking journey to explore the ECS's involvement in ASD, discovering that children with ASD exhibited significantly lower levels of certain endocannabinoids compared to their neurotypical counterparts.
This finding is monumental, suggesting that ECS dysregulation might be a hallmark of ASD, potentially influencing its development and manifestation. Without ample endocannabinoids, we develop various issues. Not having certain ones may also help future diagnostics be far more accurate than what often seems like a guessing game in medicine.
The same issue researchers found in the research review is a continuous message by The Researcher OG in his ECS Balance Control concept for adults that use THC, have problems with Tolerance, or even get sick due to overuse of THC or their body rejecting it.
The Significance of These Findings
What does this mean for individuals with ASD and their families? Firstly, it provides a novel perspective on the biological underpinnings of ASD, emphasizing the importance of the ECS in neurological health and development. The lack of various endocannabinoids, especially in children, theoretically accounts for many of the behaviors in Severe Autism.
Moreover, it hints at the potential of targeting the ECS for therapeutic interventions, meaning ways to help people with Autism overcome some of the sensory overloads and other issues. Cannabidiol (CBD), for example, has emerged as a promising agent capable of modulating the ECS in Research that has yet to take a deep dive into the likes of CBGa and CBG, offering hope for new treatment strategies without the psychoactive effects associated with other cannabinoids like THC.
Beyond the Science: The Human Impact
At the heart of this scientific exploration lies a beacon of hope for millions affected by ASD. The study by Aran et al. (2019) not only contributes to our understanding of ASD but also paves the way for innovative treatments that could significantly improve quality of life. Imagine a future where the ECS's balancing act could be harnessed to offer relief and support to those on the spectrum, providing a more nuanced approach to therapy and care.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
While these findings are promising, they also underscore the need for further Research to unravel the complexities of the ECS in ASD fully. Longitudinal studies, clinical trials, and deeper investigations into how we can measure endocannabinoid levels better and how they can be modulated and manipulated are essential next steps.
"The ultimate goal is to transform these scientific insights into tangible benefits for individuals with ASD, both children and adults. During Autism Awareness month, the number one area of Research done by this OG is one that both I and my girls have - it's safe to say our entire home has ASD. From high functioning to super high functioning and to severe and nonverbal - this is how my home rolls - and we're proud of the nonstop accomplishments that we attribute to our neurodiversity." -Mike Robinson, The Researcher OG.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, multifaceted condition that affects individuals in various ways. Let's help others understand the scope and impact of ASD; it's essential to look at some key statistics:
Prevalence: According to data collected in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 44 children in the United States have been identified with ASD. This rate has increased over the years, reflecting better detection and diagnosis methods and a broader spectrum definition.
Researchers think the number in 2024 will be closer to 1 in 20.
Gender Disparity: ASD is four times more common among boys than among girls. This difference in prevalence between genders has prompted Research into genetic and environmental factors that might influence the development of ASD.
Early Diagnosis: ASD can and often gets diagnosed as early as two years old. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much later. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving outcomes and the quality of life for individuals with ASD.
Co-occurring Conditions: According to the CDC, more than half of children with ASD have one or more chronic sleep problems. Other conditions often co-occur with ASD, including gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Economic Impact: The lifetime costs of supporting an individual with ASD are significant, with estimates ranging from $1.4 million to $2.4 million. These costs encompass healthcare, education, ASD-related therapy, and lost parental productivity.
These 2018 Estimates on the Cost have now increased by over 500% to be in the neighborhood of 10-12.5 Million to raise a child with severe Autism and to care for them for life.
Global Perspective: While most data on ASD comes from the US and other high-income countries, available information suggests that ASD is a worldwide condition affecting individuals across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Education and ASD: Data suggests that around 40% of children with ASD do not speak at all. Additionally, individuals with ASD often have unique learning needs, requiring tailored educational approaches to help them reach their full potential.
Employment: Adults with ASD face significant employment challenges, with only about 58% of young adults with ASD employed, which is lower than other disability groups. It's only been five years, but now this is an old, antiquated 2018 Statistic.
In 2024, estimates are under 30% of Autistic Adults Employed.
Understanding ASD is an ongoing journey, with each study shedding new light on potential pathways for intervention and support. The work of researchers like Aran et al. (2019) and the ongoing efforts of the Global Cannabinoid Research Center, under the stewardship of Mike Robinson, are at the forefront of this exploration.
"It will be people with Autism that figure out how to utilize the ECS and Cannabinoids to help kids with Autism; that's just a fact, make no mistake about that, as we're the same ones that created code for computers, hell we even created the computers!" -The Researcher OG.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the ECS and its connection to ASD, we move closer to a future where comprehensive, effective, and compassionate care is available for all.
With our Sponsorship of Genevieve's Carousel Challenge, we give 1% of every sale towards the purchase of her Carousel Land, a place her dad the OG talks of that will be created. A home built around a mini amusement park that allows Genevieve the freedom she deserves.
Today's Global Cannabinoid Research Center Study: Endocannabinoid System Dysfunction in Autism: Research Review © 2024 Mike Robinson
