A new clinical trial at Southern Cross University looking at improving anxiety management in adults with autism through the use of medical cannabis is calling for participants.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterised by social interaction and communication difficulties, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, and heightened sensory sensitivities. It’s these sensitivities in particular that can create anxiety in people with autism.
According to Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) it’s likely that at least 1 in 40 Australians are on the autism spectrum — which can range from mild to profound. While autism may appear to be on the rise, increased awareness combined with the improved ability of health professional to recognise and diagnose the condition is probably the reason behind it.
Autism can be managed with a variety of treatments, some of which can have significant side-effects. Outside of conventional treatments, there has been increased interest in the use of medicinal cannabis, but much more research is needed.
Among the research being carried out is a new trial being conducted by Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) through the University’s Clinical Trials Centre at its Lismore campus in New South Wales.
Professor Andrew Cashin, Professor of Autism and Intellectual Disability, is the Principal Investigator.
“The conduct of this clinical trial will allow us to understand if medicinal cannabis could offer benefit in adults living with ASD” says Professor Cashin.
Twenty-four people aged 18 + years will be recruited into the trial over the coming months, who will receive gift cards for their participation. The 15-week trial has six face-to-face appointments, including blood and urine tests. The trial, being funded by Australian company Medibis Pty Ltd, will assess whether a medicinal cannabis product can assist with anxiety management in ASD adults.
There doesn’t appear to be much publicly available information at this point as to the nature of the medicine being used in the trial and other details, but interested ASD patients can receive more information from the research team if found to be potentially eligible after completing a pre-screening survey here.
Other related research currently underway in Australia includes a trial exploring how medicinal cannabis may help children and their families dealing with challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder. The trial, a collaboration between another firm, Medigrowth, and Deakin University involves the use of a CBD (cannabidiol) based medication to see if it provides improved social functioning and anxiety relief, along with reducing parental stress.
