Parent Perspectives on Use of Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise, so has interest in the identification of effective treatments. While there are some evidence-based pharmacologic treatments for ASD, many parents turn to alternative therapies with anecdotal support and popularity through social media. Children with ASD are reported to receive complementary and alternative medicine interventions at rates much higher than the general population. There has been an increasing interest in the use of cannabis as more states are passing legislature to approve use both recreationally and in certain health conditions such as ASD. Parents are often reluctant to talk about these alternative treatment options with their child’s medical providers, leading to decreased opportunities for parents and providers to engage in shared decision making.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 parents of children with ASD. We asked open-ended questions about perspectives regarding cannabis use for children with ASD as well as potential symptom targets. Parents were asked where they would look for more information regarding cannabis use in ASD as well as comfort with speaking with their child’s medical provider. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded using a systematic approach to identify themes. Parents also completed a survey collecting demographic information, rating of child’s level of impairment, as well as current and past medication history.

Results: All respondents were biological parents, age 27-52 years (mean 38.5 years, SD 6.5 years), with 33% having a graduate/professional degree. Most children were male (N=18), age 18 months-10 years (mean 8.3 years, SD 4.9 years), and 67% were rated by parents as requiring substantial or very substantial support related to symptoms of ASD. Most participants reported limited knowledge about cannabis use in children with ASD, but generally perceived cannabis as a safe treatment option. Internet and social media groups were most often cited as sources of information to further their knowledge. Many participants felt comfortable asking their child’s doctor about cannabis.

Conclusion: While many studies have previously looked at parental attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatments for children with ASD, this is one of the first to ask explicitly about cannabis use. With increased legalization of medical and recreational use of cannabis, more evidence-based research is needed to ensure safety and efficacy of cannabis use in children with ASD. This study provides a better understanding of caregivers’ decision-making process when seeking treatment options.