By Ruth Hill, R.N.
President Donald J Trump proclaimed, “On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize the millions of Americans living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). heir proud perseverance in overcoming tremendous hurdles is emblematic of the strength and grit that makes America great. The First Lady and I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the families, friends, and communities aiding Americans with ASD as we empower every citizen to participate and shape our new golden age. President Trump declared April World Autism Month”.
According to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the United States will determine the cause of what he referred to as the country’s “autism epidemic” by September, as he mentioned during a Cabinet meeting on April 10, 2025.
Kennedy, who has vowed to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), has been working tirelessly to research and engage with other health officials about the links to autism and to “transform America’s approach to public health, environmental sustainability, and government accountability.” “The autism rates have gone from—the most recent numbers we think are going to be about 1 in 31, so they are going up again, from 1 in 10,000 when I was a kid,” Kennedy stated.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that typically manifests during the first three years of life. It affects the brain’s normal development in areas related to social interaction and communication skills. A person with ASD may exhibit repetitive body movements, atypical responses to people or objects, resistance to changes in routine, and aggressive behavior. ASD is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country.
Recently, Cannabidiol (CBD)-enriched cannabis has been beneficial for children with autism. In this retrospective study involving 60 children, behavioral outbreaks improved in 61% of patients, communication problems in 47%, anxiety in 39%, stress in 33%, and disruptive behavior in 33% of the participants. The rationale for this treatment is based on earlier observations and the theory that CBD’s effects may include alleviation of psychosis and anxiety, facilitation of REM sleep, and suppression of seizure activity. A prospective single-case study of Dronabinol (a THC-based drug) showed significant Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting Hypotheses.
Childhood vaccines were once seen as the culprit due to thimerosal, a preservative harmful to the nervous system. Today, aluminum is the most commonly used vaccine preservative, replacing thimerosal. A 2018 study found that individuals with autism had elevated levels of aluminum in their brain tissue.
Treatment options
The benefit-risk profile of medical marijuana appears relatively benign compared to Risperdal, considered the least valuable and most dangerous of psychotropic drugs. Reports from parents suggest that medical marijuana often proves effective when no other treatments, whether drug or non-drug, have been beneficial.
Mieko Hester-Perez, the founder of the Unconventional Foundation for Autism, is an advisory board member of Cannabis Science and advocates for medical cannabis. Coming from a conservative family with deep roots in law enforcement, she’s an unlikely cannabis advocate.
Biomarkers Determining Effectiveness of Cannabis
Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, a pediatric physician specializing in treating refractory childhood diseases with cannabis, has researched cannabis-responsive biomarkers- chemicals in our bodies that are part of the pathways supporting cell function. These chemical biomarkers can be detected in saliva or blood and are used to assess specific behaviors or diseases. For example, physicians measure the white blood cell (WBC) count when someone has an infection; the WBC count is a biomarker for infection. Another example is the PSA level, which indicates prostate cancer.
Goldstein’s research measured 31 biomarkers for autism that indicated physiological changes upon cannabis ingestion. Several studies have shown that children with autism typically have low levels of anandamide (THC), a natural endocannabinoid produced by the body. Low levels, or a deficiency, of anandamide are observed in autism. CBD is not a direct replacement for anandamide; it can enhance the efficacy of the body’s anandamide, though some patients may require THC. According to Dr. Mechoulam and others, THC seems to act as a direct substitute for anandamide.
We look forward to RFK Jr.’s report in September.
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