Marijuana for Autism, California
While the issue of treating adolescents with medical marijuana is fairly new, the idea of
using cannabis to treat chronically and terminally ill patients is not.
The word autism is the catch-all term that many people use when referring to the
spectrum of autism disorder. The more current term for autism is ASDs, or Autism
Spectrum Disorders, and includes the following five diagnoses: Autistic Disorder,
Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett’s Disorder, and
PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified).
An ASD is a developmental disorder. A condition in which there is a disturbance of
some stage in a child’s typical physical and/or psychological development. As the name
implies, ASDs are spectrum disorders, ranging from mild to severe.
Children with Autistic Disorder can display a wide range of deficiencies in moderate to
severe communication skills, social skills, and behavioral problems. The three most
common early symptoms of Autistic Disorder are a lack of eye contact, a lack of
pointing, and a lack of responding.
While most typical children will say, “look at me!” when enjoying an activity, most
children with Autistic Disorder do not share the same interests. Many of these children
have trouble communicating, either because they have limited or no speech or
repetitive, idiosyncratic language. They also tend to engage in rigid routines or rituals
and repetitive, stereotyped motor mannerisms such as hand flapping or rocking.
Even though the criteria for Autistic Disorder are quite detailed and specific, remember
that two children with the exact same diagnosis can appear quite different. Some other
chronic conditions that adolescents can be diagnosed with include: JRA, PANDAS,
ADHD, PTSD, OCD, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), IED (Intermittent Explosive
Disorder), CD (Conduct Disorder) Bi-polar disorder, etc.
Most of these chronic conditions are treated with many different pharmaceuticals which
can cause harmful and toxic side effects. Medical Marijuana is not a medication to be
administed lightly. But the side effects are fairly benign without any long term side
effects that can damage the body’s organs. After a consultation with Dr. Mantell it can
then be determined if a Medical Marijuana recommendation is what you would like to
receive for your child with a serious chronic condition.
Some quotes of parents who have used medical marijuana for the children with serious
chronic conditions:
Anonymous mom: Her testimonial about medical marijuana for her son, “I am happy to
help in anyway I can. Especially to inform other mothers that this may help their
children and that they don’t have to be afraid to take this road, they are not alone. I feel
like out of all the different avenues we have explored in helping our son, that this was
the wisest investment. While it may not necessarily be a cure for him. It has helped
him immensely! To see him laugh and engage in everyday tasks and activities that
were previously impossible for him, to see the relief... I can’t tell you how much joy that
has brought to me.”
Ryan was diagnosed with PANDAS: Judy (Ryan's mom) states, “ We have tried many
different types of prescription medications to help treat my son. Everything from SSRI’s
to Anti-Psychotic Medication. He has had very adverse side effects to these
medications. In some cases the prescriptions actually made his symptoms worse.”
Judy continues to say using Medical Marijuana has had one of the most profound
positive effects on his recovery.
Please refer to Judy’s website for her families full story. Judy also has started a network
of moms to support each other while new to using medical marijuana for their children.
www.msquaredinc.info
Sam was diagnosed with ASD: Sam’s family decided to use Medical Cannabis when it
was clear that the medications being prescribed by his doctors were not only failing to
help Sam but they were harming him. Sam’s dad stated, “he had gained significant
weight, had increased aggressive and unpredictable behaviors. He became very
distant to those he had always loved so much. He began hitting his grandmothers and
sister, and did not engage with his parents as he once did.” Sam’s family charted a
journal of Sam’s use of Medical Marijuana. The first day Medical Marijuana was given
to Sam his parents state, “After 30 minutes we could see the MC was beginning to have
an effect. Sam’s eyes got a little red and got a bit droopy. His behavior became relaxed
and far less anxious than he had been at the time we gave him the MC. He started
laughing for the first time in weeks. My wife and I were astonished with the effect. It
was as if all the anxiety, rage, and hostility that had been haunting him melted away.”
Sam went to sleep that night with no problem and slept through the night.
Please refer to Sam’s web page for his full story.
www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/SamsStory.htm
Some more informative websites:
http://rxmarijuana.com/fields.htm
www.autism.com/treatable/drug/marijuana_org.htm
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