Embracing Neurodiversity in Psychedelic Science: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry into the MDMA Experiences of Autistic Adults
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 15, 2019 A. Danforth 14 citations
Autistic adults who used MDMA (ecstasy) in nonclinical settings reported lasting improvements in trauma, social anxiety, and interpersonal relationships, with no long-term adverse outcomes. Qualitative interviews with 24 participants across 13 countries revealed themes of intra- and interpersonal change, suggesting MDMA-assisted therapy may be an effective catalyst for healing. The findings support the need for future clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for autistic adults facing social adaptability challenges.