{"id":62812,"date":"2022-06-05T11:52:16","date_gmt":"2022-06-05T09:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wholecelium.com\/?p=62812"},"modified":"2023-11-12T12:12:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-12T11:12:17","slug":"kings-college-london-skuma-psilocybin-pre-dospelych-autistov","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wholecelium.com\/sk\/blog\/kings-college-london-to-explore-psilocybin-for-autistic-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"King's College London sk\u00fama psilocyb\u00edn pre dospel\u00fdch autistov"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

\u00a0However, the research being done so far has focused only on neurotypical<\/a><\/strong> volunteers. What about individuals who possess unique brain pathways, such as adults with autism? How would the wonders of psilocybin work on neurodivergent minds?\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n

Indeed, a new question comes to the world of science. Can shrooms and magic truffles offer new benefits for autistic adults, who may wish to not just survive \u2014 but also thrive!<\/em> \u2014 in a world that has largely overlooked their needs?<\/p>\n

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New Psilocybin Study for Autistic Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Researchers from King College London\u2019s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) are now gearing up for a new study on psilocybin\u2019s effects on autistic adults. The upcoming project, code-named Psilaut, <\/strong>will dive into how psilocybin alters the unique brain pathways<\/em> in autistic adults, as opposed to non-autistic volunteers. <\/p>\n

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This study will be the first of its kind to test psilocybin in autistic adults. To leave no room for doubt in the world of medicine, Psilaut will be double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled as well. Lead researcher Prof. Grainne McAlonan, Professor of Translational Neuroscience at King\u2019s IoPPN, explained their hopes for the project in a press release:<\/p>\n

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\u201cI am delighted that COMPASS Pathways is supporting our investigations into the brain science of neurodiversity. Our long-term goal is to provide more and better-tailored <\/em>choices for autistic people<\/em><\/strong> and those with related conditions. Before embarking on clinical trials, we need to really understand brain mechanisms in autistic people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Professor McAlonan had already led several other research efforts in autism. This time around, Psilaut is co-sponsored by King\u2019s IoPPN and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. COMPASS Pathways provides the study\u2019s compound, called COMP360 psilocybin. Forty autistic and 30 non-autistic adults will take part in the study. <\/p>\n

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Hope for Neurodiverse People<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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The study, which takes place at King\u2019s IoPPN, will find out if serotonin<\/strong><\/a> (aka the \u201chappy hormone\u201d<\/em>) works differently in the brain networks of autistic and non-autistic adults, respectively. Serotonin signalling is also the chemical in the brain most linked to \u201ctrippy\u201d <\/em>effects. With the help of behavioural tasks and brain scans, the scientists will be able to pinpoint the exact ways in which psilocybin alters the serotonin system. <\/p>\n

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Klara, a participant in an earlier study of autism, was delighted to hear that scientists are now working to be more neurodiverse in their psychedelic research. And with the help of psilocybin, they might just be able to map out the unique brain patterns of autistic people. It\u2019s a deeply personal matter for Klara, as she explained: <\/p>\n

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\u201cMy son and I both have autism, and this can be challenging at times. I\u2019m pleased that researchers are looking into <\/em>what makes an autistic brain different <\/em><\/strong>from a neurotypical one. It gives me hope that in the future, we might uncover new ways to support people and families who may need help, and that society becomes more accepting of people who are neurodiverse.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Signs and Symptoms of Autism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the number of autistic people has increased threefold<\/a><\/strong> since 2000, from 0.67 percent of 8-year-olds to 1.85 percent. Despite that, autism is still one of the most misunderstood conditions in society. Since its traits exist on a spectrum, autism itself can be difficult to define. <\/p>\n

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There are certain signs that may show that a person is on the spectrum. They often struggle with communication, and forming emotional and social bonds with those around them. They may also get overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, and smells. <\/p>\n

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following symptoms are present in those on the autism spectrum:<\/p>\n

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