April 1st, 2020
Autism Awareness Month!
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it is also known as, is a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. ASD affects how people communicate and interact with others as well as how they make sense of the world. This can be accompanied by sensory issues (oversensitivity or under sensitivity) to sounds, smells or touch that can lead to behavioural challenges.
Autism affects 1 in 70 children in Australia, each individual diagnosed with ASD then requires understanding from those around them to provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to thrive in, the way they learn, think and problem solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged depending on this, some may require support in their everyday life while others may need less support.
ASD indicators can usually be detected by 2 or 3 years of age, some as early as 18 months. Autism doesn't just affect the individual but the whole family around them. Supporting ASD also means supporting the families.
Autism and Cannabis … A real life story!
Here at Cannabiz Australia we have been able to reach out to some of our supporters who are willing to share their own story with us and our community. Deb Bauer is the caring mother of a young man named Jordan, 25. Jordan was diagnosed with X-linked creatine deficiency this is an inherited disorder that primarily affects the brain. It can lead to slow growth and delayed development of motor skills. This can affect people differently and side effects can range from mild - severe and some individuals develop behavioural disorders or autistic behaviours that affect communication and social interactions.
In Jordans case cerebral palsy and autism are also a part of his condition due to the x-linked creatine deficiency diagnosis. Jordy has worked with pediatricians and behavioural therapists and over the years has been prescribed Resperidone which is prescribed to people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. This prescription medication had severe side effects that were affecting Jordans schooling and home life. He became drowsy, heavily fatigued, would fall asleep throughout the day, he gained weight at a rate of concern and overall didn’t seem to be himself. The decision was made to wean him from these medications with the assistance of a pediatrician.
Then came the light at the end of the tunnel …. Medicinal cannabis.
Filled with hope, Jordy was started on CBD oil which is administered daily by a dropper given orally, this oil is peppermint flavoured which Jordan gestures is his favourite he has tried so far. As for the success of using CBD to treat these conditions Deb speaks highly of the differences she can see within Jordan when used regularly and would highly recommend to others with the guidance of health professionals.
As most people know triggers can be all types of things for individuals with autism and Deb believes that when Jordan has had his CBD oil he reacts much better to situations and his behaviour becomes less erratic and Jordy is overall much calmer making all environments around him easier for him to navigate through, and that sounds like a huge success to us!
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