Magic mushrooms are no longer just hallucinogenic mushrooms and an attribute of Hippies. Magic mushrooms in the current reality have become an object of research by scientists and a potential cure for many mental, psychosomatic and therapeutic disorders. On a broader scale, it is said that they can help recover from depression or addiction. Their broad properties show that they can also help with Asperger’s Syndrome, or the autism spectrum. Psylocybin and the autism spectrum is a new topic that needs further research, but it is worth a closer look.
What is ASD (autism spectrum disorder)?
Autism spectrum disorder is short for autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, or formerly Asperger’s Syndrome. Due to the infamous past of the doctor who diagnosed the disorder, the name was changed to autism spectrum. The affliction falls under “holistic developmental disorders,” which affect all areas of human functioning. The range, which is precisely the spectrum, is very wide and some symptoms may or may not occur. However, the main symptom manifests itself in difficulties based on verbal and non-verbal social interactions, abnormalities in interpersonal interactions and also in templated activities or interests. Patients often have an aversion to change, or an obsessive focus on their hobbies. Unlike autism, people on the autism spectrum are much more high-functioning, such as not having speech disorders and having higher cognitive levels.
Diagnosis of ASD is not the easiest thing to do, especially in women. It is worth going to up to two or even three psychiatric specialists. To date, the specific reasons for the disorder are not specified. There are several of them, and some are quite controversial.
photo: Freepick
Treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Unfortunately, no cure has emerged that can cure autism spectrum disorders. ASD in itself is also not a disease. It is classified as a different model of functioning. What can assist in everyday life is psychotherapy based on improving social skills. Regular visits to a psychotherapist are recommended for children and adults on the spectrum, as well as their loved ones who face their differences on a daily basis. It is also worthwhile to take care of group activities, i.e. social skills training and aggression management training, especially for children.
Behavioral therapy and developmental psychology in children aims to develop proficiency in interactions with other children. In the case of adolescents, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, compulsive-obsessive disorder, ADHD, behavioral disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder can occur. That’s when cognitive-behavioral therapy also works. Of the other forms of support are art therapy, music therapy, dog therapy, or EEG biofeedback or auditory integration training. For adults, group social, vocational or life skills training is used. Behavioral therapy for challenging behavior is also helpful. There can be quite a few forms of support, but willingness on the part of the person on the spectrum is needed. One alternative method may be the use of psilocybin.
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Psylocybin and Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD).
Psylocybin is a substance that psilocybin mushrooms, a common hallucinogenic mushroom, contain. If you want to learn more about this concept take a look at the topic – Psylocybin – what is this substance? Psylocybin, LSD acid, or DMT belong to psychedelics – a group of psychoactive agents that alter perception, consciousness, thinking and feeling. Recent clinical and preclinical studies show that psilocybin, among other things, shows therapeutic potential for some behavioral traits that are on the autism spectrum. They alleviate non-neurotypical symptoms of ASD, that is, they help manage anxiety or depression, improve mood and social behavior. Unfortunately, studies conducted back in the 1970s show that the use of psychedelics by people on the spectrum can also lead to aggression, or psychotic states. This should be kept in mind and further testing should be pursued.
Research conclusions
Patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have abnormal nonverbal social behavior. This includes, for example, lack of eye contact, difficulty in establishing relationships and social anxiety. Therapeutic use of psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin mushrooms, which include psilocybin) can induce greater extroversion, openness to others, closeness and empathy. Psylocybin reduces anxiety and depressive states, enhances interpersonal experiences, causes relief of perceptual hypersensitivity, increases smiling, playfulness and eye contact.
Threats
Despite ongoing research, there is still a lack of information on the adverse effects of psychedelic use in neurotypicals and people with ASD. Further work is needed to identify the optimal dose that will offset the risk of side effects.
Summary
Psylocybin and the autism spectrum is certainly a topic of interest to both scientists and our current society. Supporting people on the autism spectrum certainly requires the development of new therapeutic techniques. This is reinforced by the number of people diagnosed on the spectrum, which is increasing every year. Psylocybin can significantly improve relationships and social behavior and reduce the burden of ASD comorbidities. Psychedelics have great therapeutic potential, but further research needs to be done to rule out risks.
If you are a person on the spectrum never let yourself be pigeonholed, it’s just that your brain works differently. Everyone is different, and most of us have a range of unusual behaviors.
The content on psychodelicroom.co.uk is educational, research, and is an expression of many opinions, to which one should reserve. We do not encourage or even discourage the use of any means of influencing consciousness, all of which can both cure and do great harm.
Footnotes:
https://psychomedic.pl/autyzm-i-zespol-aspergera/
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zesp%C3%B3%C5%82_Aspergera
https://salusprodomo.pl/blog/zespol-aspergera-co-to-jest-jego-objawy-leczenie
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8846292/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94421-z
