Psychedelics and autism spectrum disorder: Mechanistic insights, translational evidence and ethical challenges
Journal of Psychiatric Research June 23, 2026 Júlio César Claudino Dos Santos, Sofia Januário Bolan, Guilherme Lodetti da Silva et al.
Psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine are being explored as potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition marked by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and sensory differences, often with anxiety and emotional dysregulation. These drugs may modulate serotonin and glutamate signaling, enhance neuroplasticity, and reorganize brain networks. Current evidence does not support treating core ASD symptoms like social communication deficits or repetitive behaviors, but psychedelics may help with associated issues such as social anxiety, emotional dysregulation, cognitive rigidity, and co-occurring mood symptoms. Direct clinical studies in ASD remain scarce, and ethical and safety concerns, especially for pediatric and neurodivergent populations, are noted.