The following research projects are currently underway:
The Effectiveness of CBD for the Treatment of Disruptive Behaviour Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Principal Investigator: Joe Casey, Ph.D., C.Psych. Clinical Neuropsychologist and Professor, University of Windsor
Co-Investigators: Mila Huhtula, Western University & Kassandra Korcsog, M.A., University of Windsor
The use of cannabis to treat health conditions has become more common. Whereas its use in treating several physical conditions such as chronic pain and epilepsy have been studied for several years, few studies have examined the effectiveness of cannabis on mental health conditions.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is currently treated with behavioural and pharmacological therapies. Despite these options, many families find little improvement in problematic behaviours and struggle with adverse effects from the medications prescribed. A possible alternative to these treatments is using CBD oil, a component of cannabis.
Although the medical use of cannabis is being used to help manage serious behaviour problems in children with ASD, there are few studies about its benefits and adverse effects (or side-effects). The results, however, are encouraging, suggesting that further research is needed. To address some of the limitations of previous studies, we are examining the benefits and adverse effects of CBD oil in children and adolescents by comparing their psychological, behavioural, and social functioning before and after the start of CBD oil treatment. All children are screened for suitability for CBD treatment by a physician with expertise in its medical use.
If your child is suitable for treatment and you choose to participate, we ask that you complete questionnaires at three different time points: (1) prior to your child starting CBD treatment; (2) two weeks after starting CBD treatment; and (3) six weeks after starting CBD treatment. All questionnaires are completed online. If you would like additional information about the study, please email us at ASDCBDStudy@gmail.com