Texas Cannabis Clinic
Medical Marijuana Doctors located in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the entire State of Texas through telemedicine.
About 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States. Autism affects the entire body with widely varied symptoms. At Texas Cannabis Clinic, Matthew Brimberry, MD, treats patients with autism in and around Austin, Houston, Arlington, San Antonio, and the entire state of Texas through telemedicine. To learn about medical cannabis treatment for autism, book a telehealth appointment today.
Autism Q&A
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in early childhood and impacts the person’s behaviors, communication skills, and relationships. Because the behaviors and symptoms affect people differently and with varying severity, autism is a “spectrum disorder”.
Parents often see signs of autism in their children before the age of three, but it can be diagnosed at any age.
The cause of autism is unknown but research shows genetics are involved in the majority of cases. Children born to older parents are more likely to have autism, and parents who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder have a 2-18% chance of having a second child with autism.
People with autism have differences in communication, social interaction, and interpersonal relationships. Sometimes they may have trouble understanding nonverbal communication, difficulty having a typical back-and-forth conversation, and struggle to make or keep friends.
Some people with autism repeat sounds or phrases or make repetitive movements. They often struggle with changes to their routine or transitioning from one activity to the next. Sensory issues are common and people with autism may experience sensitivity to sounds or lights.
People with autism spectrum disorder may have self-injury behaviors, like banging their head against the floor or wall, biting their arms, or scratching their skin.
Many other medical and mental health conditions are associated with autism spectrum disorders, including:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Chronic sleep problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Schizophrenia
Co-occurring health issues span over the lifetime of someone with autism, from young children through senior citizens.
Autism is best treated with a multidisciplinary approach and treatment methods include a variety of therapies, including:
- Occupational therapy
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Early intervention
- School-based therapy
- Nutritional therapy
- Medication
Many of the common symptoms associated with autism also benefit from medical cannabis treatment, including aggression, hyperactivity, self-injury, insomnia, and anxiety. Medical marijuana laws in Texas permit the use of marijuana for autism symptom relief.
To learn more about the medical cannabis treatment options for people with autism, book a telehealth appointment with Texas Cannabis Clinic today.