THE USE OF CANNABIDIOL IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

 The Research project presented by undergraduate student Ana Clara Lira Alves, under the supervision of Professor Heloísa Cavalcante Lacerda, from the Psychology course at Centro Universitário Santa Maria – UNIFSM, for approval in the Course Completion Work – TCC II. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized as a neurodevelopmental disorder manifested through deficits in communication and social interaction, in addition to restricted and repetitive behaviors. These characteristics may directly impact the child’s emotional, cognitive, and educational development, affecting their adaptation to the school environment and learning demands. Given the growing interest in complementary therapies that may contribute to the management of ASD symptoms, cannabidiol has gained prominence as a relevant topic in both clinical and scientific fields, mainly due to its potential regulatory effects on behavior. Based on this premise, this study sought to understand the effects of cannabidiol use in children with ASD, considering its impact on school performance through an integrative literature review. Based on the selection, organization, and critical analysis of the materials found, the results showed that the use of cannabidiol may contribute to the reduction of behavioral symptoms associated with ASD, such as irritability, hyperactivity, anxiety, and sleep disorders, in addition to promoting improvements in communication, socialization, concentration, school adaptation, and quality of life for children and their families. However, further studies are still needed to expand the understanding of its therapeutic efficacy and safety.