scholarly journals Is the Use of Cannabis during Pregnancy a Risk Factor for Autism?

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Behavioral Impairments

The use of marijuana by healthy adults is commonly viewed as having limited adverse health effects; however, its potential risks for fetal developmental abnormalities when used during pregnancy have not been thoroughly evaluated. Marijuana is known to bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors and exert physiological effects similar to endogenous cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is involved in cognition, behavioral, and emotional regulation. Autism Spectrum Disorder is associated with mild to severe cognitive, social and behavioral impairments; moreover, impairments in the endocannabinoid system have been identified in individuals with this disorder. It is, therefore, possible that marijuana use during pregnancy may cause the overexcitation of the endocannabinoid system during early brain development to make the fetus at risk for autism spectrum disorder. The present study aims to explore the effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on the endocannabinoid system, and to present a model of how this interaction may increase risk of developing autism spectrum disorder.

scholarly journals Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation from Acetaminophen Use May Lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder: Could Cannabinoid Treatment Be Efficacious?

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1845
Author(s):  
Stephen Schultz ◽  
Georgianna G. Gould ◽  
Nicola Antonucci ◽  
Anna Lisa Brigida ◽  
Dario Siniscalco
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
Arachidonoyl Glycerol

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities, are the core items characterizing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strong inflammation states have been reported to be associated with ASD. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in ASD pathophysiology. This complex network of lipid signaling pathways comprises arachidonic acid and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol-derived compounds, their G-protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2) and the associated enzymes. Alterations of the ECS have been reported in both the brain and the immune system of ASD subjects. ASD children show low EC tone as indicated by low blood levels of endocannabinoids. Acetaminophen use has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of ASD. This drug can act through the ECS to produce analgesia. It may be that acetaminophen use in children increases the risk for ASD by interfering with the ECS.This mini-review article summarizes the current knowledge on this topic.

scholarly journals Alterations of the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential in autism spectrum disorder

Open Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyang Zou ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Shu Xie ◽  
Luxi Wang ◽  
Dexin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzyme ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Novel Approach

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities, the aetiology of which remains elusive. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulates neurotransmission and neuronal plasticity. Evidence points to the involvement of this neuromodulatory system in the pathophysiology of ASD. We investigated whether there is a disruption to the eCB system in ASD and whether pharmacological modulation of the eCB system might offer therapeutic potential. We examined three major components of the eCB system—endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors and associated enzymes—in ASD children as well as in the valproic acid (VPA) induced animal model in autism. Furthermore, we specifically increased 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels by administering JZL184, a selective inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase which is the hydrolytic enzyme for 2-AG, to examine ASD-like behaviours in VPA-induced rats. Results showed that autistic children and VPA-induced rats exhibited reduced eCB content, increased degradation of enzymes and upregulation of CBRs. We found that repetitive and stereotypical behaviours, hyperactivity, sociability, social preference and cognitive functioning improved after acute and chronic JZL184 treatment. The major efficacy of JZL184 was observed after administration of a dosage regimen of 3 mg kg −1 , which affected both the eCB system and ASD-like behaviours. In conclusion, a reduced eCB signalling was observed in autistic children and in the ASD animal model, and boosting 2-AG could ameliorate ASD-like phenotypes in animals. Collectively, the results suggested a novel approach to ASD treatment.

Eating Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 236-257
Author(s):  
Kirstin Greaves-Lord ◽  
Jeroen Dewinter ◽  
Lennart Pedersen ◽  
Olive Healy ◽  
Mark A. Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Multidisciplinary Intervention ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Disciplinary Boundaries ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Collaborative Efforts

Clinicians and researchers have long known that many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges around eating (e.g., “picky eating”) that increase risk for negative health sequelae. Nevertheless, as reviewed in this chapter, progress in addressing these challenges has been hampered by disciplinary boundaries, lack of empirical scrutiny of existing interventions, and inconsistency in definition and assessment of eating-related issues. Recent work has begun to overcome these impasses through a greater focus on rigorous evaluation of currently available treatments and the meticulous development of novel and multidisciplinary intervention approaches. Yet, much more work is needed. In addition to the need for consensus on nomenclature and operationalized definitions that directly impact measure development, more work is needed to address the presence and impact of overweight/obesity among people with ASD. Only through cross-disciplinary and collaborative efforts between clinicians and researchers can these obstacles be overcome to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of people with ASD.

A qualitative study on the social-emotional benefits of Drumtastic Ability Beats® for children with autism spectrum disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
Lyn G. Litchke, PhD ◽  
Mary Margaret Bracken, MSRLS-TR
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Social ◽  
Creative Self

This qualitative collective case study explored the social-emotional benefits of Drumtastic Ability Beats® in a dyadic partnership between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a college graduate student (GS). Fourteen male campers, ages 5-14, engaged in eight, 1-hour Drumtastic Ability Beats® sessions, twice a week, at a 4-week camp for children with ASD. Data collection focused on observational narrative field notes completed by the campers’ GS partner after each session. Thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: (1) familiarization through synchronization, (2) creative self-expression, and (3) self-regulation of emotions. These findings underscore the potential value of group drumming as a means to promote opportunities to enhance social-emotional regulation through facilitating relationships for children with ASD.

scholarly journals Medical Cannabis for Autism Spectrum Disorder, is it an option?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Medical Test

Objective: A literature review was conducted to evaluate the validity of medical cannabis as an adjunctive treatment in the management of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Since there is no medical test to diagnose the disorders, the provider must listen to the parent/ caretaker and look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. Unfortunately, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. A deficiency in the endocannabinoid system in the body is considered as the reason for many disorders and recent researchers’ state that it might help in the treatment of autism. The chronic neuroinflammation can be eased with the help of the antioxidants which are present in the cannabis plant. The theory of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) was based on the concept that many brain disorders are associated with neurotransmitter deficiencies, affecting acetylcholine in Alzheimer's disease, dopamine in Parkinsonian Syndromes, serotonin and norepinephrine in depression, and that a comparable deficiency in endocannabinoid levels might be manifest similarly in certain disorders that display predictable clinical features as sequelae of this deficiency. Design/Methods: A literature review was conducted of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed from 2012-2018 specific to the topic of medical cannabis and autism spectrum disorder. Conclusion: This literature review supports the feasibility of cannabis based medicine as a promising treatment option in children with ASD. Based on the promising results, it is recommended that large, double blind, placebo controlled cross-over trials be launched in jurisdictions where medical cannabis can be studied without limitations from the federal government.

Impact of Emotional Regulation and Social Skills on Participation in Leisure for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512505080p1
Author(s):  
Karen Ratcliff ◽  
Claudia List Hilton ◽  
Alex Casteel ◽  
Ickpyo Hong ◽  
Yung-Chi Sung
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Skills ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder

scholarly journals Gaming Disorder in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alayna Murray ◽  
Arlene Mannion ◽  
June L. Chen ◽  
Geraldine Leader
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Peer Attachment ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Gaming Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Small Effect Size

AbstractGaming disorder (GD) is a clinical addiction to video or internet games. This study investigated whether GD symptoms are heightened in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in comparison to a control group, and explored predictors of GD in 230 adults with ASD and 272 controls. The relationship between GD and gelotophobia was examined. Measures included the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test, GELOPH < 15 >, Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 items, Inventory of Parent and Peer attachment, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) and the NEO-FFI-3. Individuals in the ASD group showed significantly higher symptoms of GD. Peer-attachment, emotional regulation and extraversion significantly predicted GD scores. Gelotophobia and GD were related to each other with a small effect size.

scholarly journals Melatonin: From Pharmacokinetics to Clinical Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1490
Author(s):  
Sébastien Lalanne ◽  
Claire Fougerou-Leurent ◽  
George M. Anderson ◽  
Carmen M. Schroder ◽  
Tali Nir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dose Effect ◽  
Prolonged Release ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Behavioral Impairments

The role of melatonin has been extensively investigated in pathophysiological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Reduced melatonin secretion has been reported in ASD and led to many clinical trials using immediate-release and prolonged-release oral formulations of melatonin. However, melatonin’s effects in ASD and the choice of formulation type require further study. Therapeutic benefits of melatonin on sleep disorders in ASD were observed, notably on sleep latency and sleep quality. Importantly, melatonin may also have a role in improving autistic behavioral impairments. The objective of this article is to review factors influencing treatment response and possible side effects following melatonin administration. It appears that the effects of exposure to exogenous melatonin are dependent on age, sex, route and time of administration, formulation type, dose, and association with several substances (such as tobacco or contraceptive pills). In addition, no major melatonin-related adverse effect was described in typical development and ASD. In conclusion, melatonin represents currently a well-validated and tolerated treatment for sleep disorders in children and adolescents with ASD. A more thorough consideration of factors influencing melatonin pharmacokinetics could illuminate the best use of melatonin in this population. Future studies are required in ASD to explore further dose-effect relationships of melatonin on sleep problems and autistic behavioral impairments.

scholarly journals The Alternations of Endocannabinoid System and its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyang Zou ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Shu Xie ◽  
Luxi Wang ◽  
Dexin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzyme ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Novel Approach

Abstract Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities whose etiology remains elusive. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulated neurotransmission and neuronal plasticity. Evidence points to the involvement of this neuromodulatory system in the pathophysiology of ASD. Herein we investigated if there was disruption of eCB system in ASD and if pharmacological modulators of eCB system might have a therapeutic potential. Methods: We examined three major components of eCB system, namely, endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors and associated enzymes, in ASD children as well as in VPA-induced ASD animal model. Meanwhile we specially increased 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) by administering JZL184, a selective inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase, the hydrolytic enzyme for 2-AG, and to examine ASD-like behaviors in VPA-induced rats. Results: Autistic children and VPA-induced rats exhibited the reduced eCBs content, elevated degrading enzymes, and up-regulation of CBRs. We found that repetitive and stereotypical behaviors, hyperactivity, sociability, social preference, and cognitive functioning were improved after acute and chronic JZL184 treatment. The major efficacy of JZL184 was observed at the dose of 3mg/kg for both affecting eCB system and ASD-like behaviors. Conclusions: There were a lower eCB signaling in autistic children and ASD animal model, and boosting 2-AG could ameliorate ASD-like phenotypes in animals. Collectively, the results suggest a novel approach to ASD treatment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document