A recent investigation has uncovered that numerous adults on the autism spectrum report significant enhancements in their mental health and social interactions following the use of psychedelic substances. Published in the journal Psychopharmacology, the study indicated that many autistic individuals linked a decrease in distress and social anxiety, as well as an increase in social involvement, to a single transformative psychedelic experience. Nonetheless, the study also pointed out that a minority of participants faced adverse effects, underscoring the importance of exercising caution and pursuing additional research in this domain.

The enthusiasm for the potential of psychedelic medicines to address various mental health issues, including depression and PTSD, is gaining momentum in the broader community. Autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and other challenges, frequently coexists with mental health struggles. Autistic individuals often endure heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, resulting in a lower quality of life when compared to non-autistic individuals.

While there is an increased focus on utilizing psychedelics as therapeutic solutions for mental health across various demographics, research specifically examining their effects on autistic individuals remains scant. Various personal accounts have hinted that psychedelics might provide benefits for those on the autism spectrum, possibly enhancing self-awareness and emotional understanding, yet rigorous studies have been limited. The current research aimed to explore the experiences of autistic adults who have engaged with psychedelics and to determine whether they perceived any shifts in their mental health and social skills as a result.

The researchers employed an online survey to collect data from adults identifying as autistic. Participants were recruited through targeted advertisements on social media, online communities related to psychedelics and autism, and collaborations with an organization known as the Autistic Psychedelic Community. The advertisements were thoughtfully designed to attract individuals with both favorable and unfavorable psychedelic encounters. Inclusion criteria mandated that participants be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, either have a clinical autism diagnosis or self-identify as autistic, and have utilized a psychedelic substance at least once.

A total of 284 individuals completed the survey, and the researchers then concentrated on the 233 participants who noted that their most influential psychedelic experience involved classic psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin (the active component of magic mushrooms). Those who indicated that their most significant experience involved substances like MDMA, cannabis, or ketamine were not included in the primary analysis.

The survey prompted participants to reflect on their most “impactful” psychedelic experience and respond to inquiries regarding its effects. They were asked to assess how significant this encounter was relative to other life events, using a scale from ‘routine experiences’ to ‘the most impactful experience of my lifetime.’ Participants also completed a series of tailored questionnaires aimed at evaluating perceived changes in various aspects of their lives following this pivotal psychedelic experience.

To gain insight into the nature of the psychedelic experience itself, participants filled out assessments regarding their subjective experiences during the drug’s effects. This included the Mystical Experience Questionnaire, gauging feelings of unity, sacredness, and transcendent experiences, as well as the Challenging Experience Questionnaire, which measures difficult emotions such as fear, grief, and paranoia that might occur during such experiences.

The research team adapted well-established psychological surveys to assess perceived changes. For instance, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was altered to ask about long-term changes believed to be influenced by the psychedelic experience, with response options ranging from ‘decreased greatly’ to ‘increased greatly’ to allow participants to express both positive and negative alterations.

Additional areas evaluated included social anxiety (via the Social Phobia Inventory), psychological flexibility (using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, where a decrease signifies increased flexibility), and autism-related traits (assessed through the Autism Quotient Short). Social connection and engagement were evaluated using the Social Connectedness Scale and the Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively, along with measures of loneliness and overall satisfaction in relationships and sexual life.

The findings revealed that a substantial majority of participants regarded their psychedelic experience as one of the most significant events in their lives. When assessing perceived changes, the researchers noted that most participants reported improvements across several areas. Notably, over 80% indicated that their most impactful psychedelic experience led to a reduction in general psychological distress.

Similarly, approximately 78% reported a decrease in social anxiety, while 70% experienced an increased level of social engagement. Participants also expressed heightened psychological flexibility, meaning they felt better equipped to accept and manage challenging thoughts and emotions. Interestingly, a significant number reported a decrease in traits typically associated with autism, as measured by the Autism Quotient Short, along with a reduction in feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, many participants noted greater satisfaction in their relationships and sex lives.

However, the study also unveiled that not all experiences were beneficial. A considerable minority, around 20%, reported negative outcomes, including heightened anxiety. Some described their psychedelic experience as one of the most detrimental events they had encountered.

To further analyze what factors might correlate with these changes, the researchers conducted statistical evaluations. They determined that the most critical factor linked to reduced psychological distress was an increase in psychological flexibility. In simpler terms, participants who demonstrated enhanced psychological resilience after their psychedelic journey were more likely to report lower levels of distress overall. While a stronger mystical experience was slightly associated with reduced distress, it was not as significant a predictor as psychological flexibility.

Surprisingly, the intensity of challenging experiences during the psychedelic session did not emerge as a critical predictor of changes in mental health or social engagement, although those who reported heightened distress tended to experience more difficulties on average.

The researchers recognized several constraints within their investigation. As participants were recruited through online platforms and forums, particularly those focusing on psychedelics, the sample may not accurately represent all autistic adults who use these substances. It is possible that individuals with more positive experiences were more inclined to participate, potentially skewing the perceived benefits. Additionally, the study relied on participants’ recollections of past experiences and their assessments of change, which can be subject to memory biases. The adapted questionnaires demonstrated good internal consistency but their validity in this adjusted format has yet to be fully validated. Lastly, the cross-sectional nature of the study captured data at one moment in time and therefore cannot establish a direct causation between psychedelics and the reported changes.

Despite these limitations, the researchers concluded that their findings suggest that some autistic adults notice enduring enhancements in mental health and social functioning as a result of psychedelic experiences. These outcomes warrant further exploration, particularly through controlled clinical trials, aimed at investigating the potential role of psychedelics in therapeutic settings for autistic individuals. Future studies should focus on evaluating both the benefits and risks involved, with careful attention to safety and ethical considerations.

The importance of involving the autistic community in forthcoming research was emphasized, highlighting the objective of enhancing wellbeing and understanding rather than pursuing a “cure” for autism. Research should also delve into the reasons certain individuals experience negative effects and explore strategies to minimize risks in possible therapeutic contexts.

This study, titled “Perceived changes in mental health and social engagement attributed to a single psychedelic experience in autistic adults: results from an online survey,” was conducted by Jack Stroud, Charlotte Rice, Aaron Orsini, Marco Schlosser, Justine Lee, Will Mandy, and Sunjeev K. Kamboj.