Recent estimates show 1 in 36 children meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Autistic individuals tend to be at a higher risk for engaging in problem behaviors, such as aggression, tantrums, and self-injury, than their typically developing peers. Unfortunately, there is little evidence showing the effectiveness of psychotropic medications. Caregivers often turn to alternative options, with cannabidiol (CBD) being one of the more common choices. Although, peer-reviewed case studies show the potential benefit of CBD, there have been no rigorous clinical trials of the benefits and side effects of the drug. The Cannabidiol in Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASCADE) clinical trial conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized control trial of the effect of CBD on problem behaviors in autistic children. A subset of participants chose to undergo three functional analyses of problem behavior conducted via telehealth in their homes. FAs occurred at baseline (prior to drug administration), after being on the maximum dose of CBD, and after being on the maximum dose of placebo drug. Results showed a greater proportional decrease in problem behavior when participants took CBD compared to the placebo drug. These data will be discussed in terms of the potential benefits of CBD as an intervention to reduce problem behavior in autistic children. 

1. Attendees will describe potential benefits of using cannabidiol to treat problem behavior in autistic children.
2. Attendees will describe the benefits of coaching caregivers to conduct functional analyses of problem behavior via telehealth.
3. Attendees will describe ways to integrate into multidisciplinary teams studying novel interventions for problem behavior in autistic children.

About the Presenter

Patrick Romani

Dr. Patrick Romani is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, doctoral, working in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Romani leads clinical services delivering interdisciplinary treatment for youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) engaging in problem behaviors. He also studies refinements to common behavioral assessment and treatment procedures as well as ways to disseminate these practices to non-behavioral providers working with you diagnosed with NDDs in rural communities. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading behavior-analytic journals and currently serves on the Editorial Review Boards for the Journals of Behavioral Education, Behavior Analysis: Research in Practice, Education and Treatment of Children, and Behavior Analysis in Practice.