Uece Study Analyzes the Use of CBD in Treating Children with ASD
Funded by the Ministry of Health, research reveals improvement in symptoms such as agitation and repetitive behaviors, but highlights the need for more clinical trials
Khevin Miguel Roldan Martins is only 8 years old, but he is already building universes. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), he expresses himself with an unusual creativity for his age. On his YouTube channel, he shares animations, gaming adventures, and his own scripts.
However, off-screen, the scenario was quite different: difficulty in socializing, episodes of aggression, and a silence that dominated even the toys.
It was in this gap between the virtual world and reality that medicinal cannabis entered Khevin's life. Since he started using cannabidiol (CBD) — a compound derived from Cannabis sativa L. — his family has noticed significant changes. “Now he creates games outside the computer. One night he told me: ‘Mom, I had an idea for an animation.’ He got up, wrote a script, and went to sleep,” says Juliany Cristiny Roldan, his mother.
With the aim of positively impacting the lives of patients like Khevin, a research project developed at the State University of Ceará (Uece) gathered scientific evidence on the medicinal use of cannabidiol in children and adolescents with ASD. The research, approved by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and funded by the Ministry of Health through the Department of Science and Technology (Decit/SECTICS/MS), was recently completed and is now entering the phase of disseminating the results.
Preliminary Results: Improvement in Behavioral Symptoms
According to the study coordinator, Professor Gislei Aragão, the data indicate that CBD may have positive effects on symptoms such as agitation, disruptive behaviors, and repetitive patterns. These improvements were especially noted from reports by family members of patients with ASD.
“Medicinal cannabis shows promising effects, but the available studies still have variable quality. Adverse effects, when they occur, are generally mild, such as drowsiness or loss of appetite,” explains Gislei in a statement from the Government of Ceará.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. According to the DSM-5 — the main diagnostic manual of psychiatry — the disorder encompasses conditions such as Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS.
Conventional pharmacological treatments often show limited efficacy and are frequently associated with significant side effects, which has driven the search for therapeutic alternatives, such as phytocannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is the target of medicinal cannabis action, regulates essential neurological functions. Studies suggest that CBD acts in areas such as the thalamus, spinal cord, and temporal lobe — regions that often show alterations in people with ASD.
Medicinal Cannabis and the Challenges of Brazilian Science
The research team initially intended to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis — a method that allows for the statistical aggregation of results from various clinical studies. However, the methodological diversity of existing research made this approach impossible.
“The high heterogeneity was the main challenge: differences in CBD formulations, dosages used, assessment scales, and participant profiles hindered the consolidation of a reliable statistical analysis,” emphasizes Aragão.
Despite this, the study represented a significant advancement in the scientific mapping of the use of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of ASD in Brazil.
Between Hope and Caution
Given the limitations for conducting the meta-analysis, the researchers opted for an in-depth qualitative analysis, which allowed them to identify gaps, trends, and future pathways.
“Science is a constantly evolving process. Changes in direction do not weaken the research — on the contrary, they highlight our commitment to methodological rigor,” states Professor Gislei.
The group emphasizes the urgent need for more controlled clinical studies of high quality in Brazil. Although medicinal cannabis represents a promising alternative, its use should always be guided by qualified health professionals.
Next Steps and Public Dissemination
The results will be submitted to scientific journals later this year. In parallel, Uece will organize in-person seminars in the cities of Fortaleza, Crateús, Redenção, and Cariri, aiming to present the findings to society.
The study was conducted by Uece professors Gislei Frota Aragão, Carla Barbosa Brandão, Valter Cordeiro Barbosa Filho, Paulo Sávio Fontenele Magalhães, and Cidianna Emanuelly Melo do Nascimento, with the collaboration of Professor Kelly Rose Tavares Neves from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC).
Researchers from the Laboratory of Neuroinflammation and Neurotoxicology (Lanit/Genit/Uece) also participated: Iara Vasconcelos, Madna Freitas, Renê Freitas, Quezia Jones, Maria Helena Pitombeira, and Ruth Maria Moraes.
With information from Government of Ceará