Boy with autism says “Daddy” for the first time after treatment with medicinal cannabis

Thiago Rodrigues never imagined that the kitchen, the scene of so many routines, would become an altar of emotions. It was there, in that familiar space, that his and his partner's universe expanded beyond imagination. At six years old, their son Thales, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) level 2 support, uttered his first word: “Daddy”.

It was not just any babbling, but a cry full of meaning, echoing as a watershed moment in this family's life. "He was already trying, and we also tried very hard to make him speak, and some vowels came out, some little things... he said 'ah ah, ah ah', as if it were daddy and mommy, you know? But at his age, he should have been much more advanced," Thiago recounts, his voice choked with emotion.

And on this special day, the long-awaited word came right after the introduction of a drop of THC Delta 8 oil - an imported product.

Autism X Cannabis: early signs and the path to diagnosis

Thales and his family's journey began early, with the realization that something was different. "There was denial on my part and the mother's as well. He didn't make eye contact, didn't respond to calls, wanted to do everything by himself, and never asked anyone for help. Even without walking, he crawled and put himself in danger," the father recalls.

The initial medical diagnosis ruled out autism and attributed Thales' difficulties to a “speech problem”. But the parents were almost certain it was something neurological. “He walked on tiptoes, fixated on patterns and categories,” Thiago recalls, mentioning his son's disinterest in stories and preference for segmented images, like insects, for example.

The persistence led them to a psychologist specializing in ABA and Denver, who confirmed the need for intervention. The official diagnosis of ASD came shortly after, opening doors to therapies and the search for an effective treatment.

Before cannabis: fear, tears, and silence

The family's daily life before using medicinal cannabis was surrounded by fear and helplessness. “The mother and I cried a lot. We were very scared of the future... and we still have that fear,” Thiago reveals.

Thales' communication difficulty was the biggest challenge. The introduction of Full Spectrum CBD oil, recommended by Dr. Rafael Ferreira, a family and community physician, brought the first visible improvements. “He stopped walking on tiptoes, stopped hitting his head on the wall,” Thiago celebrates. But speech, the greatest desire, still seemed distant.

The real turning point came with the introduction of THC Delta 8, as mentioned above. Dr. Rafael Ferreira explains: "What caught my attention the most was the medication response curve. He already had significant improvement with the first oil, combined with a suitable family and therapeutic context. But at a certain point, it seemed like we had reached a plateau”.

That's when they chose to include THC, based on studies about its potential in autism treatment. “Surprisingly, he had a leap in cognitive development. From completely nonverbal, he became increasingly articulate,” the doctor says.

The transformation was immediate. Thales not only said “Daddy”, but also managed to focus for 20 minutes on a single activity, which was unthinkable until then. “I never imagined that cannabis would be the salvation of my son's future,” Thiago affirms.

A boy's achievements and a father's pride

Today, Thales showers alone, looks both ways when crossing the street, is good at math, and is learning to read and write. At school, he stands out for his logical reasoning and unconventional questions. “He is nonsensical, and I love that. I learn a lot from him,” Thiago says, with a smile in his voice.

Now, the family's biggest fears no longer revolve around Thales' abilities, but on how society will receive him. “Possible bullying at school could traumatize him, and he might not even be able to express that in therapy,” the father worries.

But the future looks promising. “Today we see in him a set of skills indicating independence. If it weren't for medicinal cannabis, maybe he wouldn't have this future,” Thiago states. “I will be eternally grateful to cannabis".

Cannabis and ASD: a path that needs to be known

Autism in Brazil is a reality that demands attention. It is estimated that there are up to 4 million people with ASD in the country, reinforcing the urgency for effective and accessible treatments.

Thales' story shows the potential of medicinal cannabis in treating autism. THC, in correct doses and with medical supervision, has proven to be a valuable ally. Dr. Rafael Ferreira emphasizes the importance of customizing the dosage based on studies, like the Israeli ones that define the ideal CBD to THC ratios according to the patient's weight.

For example, Thales never needed to resort to allopathic medications like risperidone, commonly used in children with ASD. “Cannabis always put him in balance,” the father says.

The right dose

Caution with the dosage is key. “If when I'm about to drop the drops, one extra falls and the mother doesn't know, she notices right away. So we see that there really is a golden dose that needs to be respected,” Thiago states.

He also highlights the importance of not settling for the initial results. “Was it only cannabis that made him improve? No. It was the whole package: me and the mother, the family, the school, the dialogue with the school, therapy... now we've also included sports in his routine.”

Autism vs. Cannabis: what I learned from my son

The journey alongside Thales taught Thiago a lesson that goes far beyond autism. Being the father of an autistic child taught him to change his perspective on the world. “There are things much bigger than our desires. Today, all decisions we make need to consider how they will impact Thales' life. From how I drive, how I behave at work, or even how I have fun... everything has changed. We need to be here, present, for a long time still. Everything is for him, with the hope that he will help transform society into a better place,” he concludes.

Thales' story is a hymn to hope, persistence, and the transformative power of love. An invitation for Brazilian society to look at autism with more empathy and at medicinal cannabis as a tool for access to a fulfilling life. The word "Daddy", which once lived in silence, is now a beacon of possibilities, illuminating the path to a more inclusive and promising future.

Watch the video where Thales' doctor, Dr. Rafael Ferreira, talks about medicinal cannabis for Autism Spectrum treatment.