The Ecstasy of Gold in Neurodiversity: Focus on the Use of Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Psychedelic drugs, both natural and synthetic, act on serotonin receptors and may enhance cognition, brain connectivity, neuroplasticity, and neuronal regeneration. Autism spectrum disorder involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, with no approved drugs for core symptoms. Current treatments for co-occurring conditions often have uncertain efficacy and tolerability. This review reports studies indicating that psychedelics could be therapeutically useful for some autism-related symptoms, suggesting a potential role in treatment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic drugs are serotonergic hallucinogens that can be divided into two types: naturally occurring (psilocybin, psilocin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and synthetic (LSD, MDMA, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, and ketamine). Psychedelics generally work on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and might be useful in cognitive enhancement, brain connectivity, neuroplasticity, and neuronal regeneration. These properties could be used in the pharmacological treatment of selected mental disorders. Autism spectrum disorders include a group of developmental disorders characterized by social communication issues, the presence of restricted interests as well as repetitive behaviors that impact the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Currently, there are no authorized drugs for the treatment of the symptomatic features of ASD, but drugs are used for comorbid psychopathological aspects, but the efficacy and tolerability of such treatments are often questionable. Here, studies demonstrating the therapeutic utility of using psychedelic substances in autism are reported. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential of psychedelics for some aspects of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.