Autism Spectrum Disorder

Added to TX CUP: 2021

Diagnosis Context

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis described in the DSM-5-TR. The diagnosis is established by a developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, neurologist, or qualified psychologist after a structured evaluation. Identity-aware language is the norm in clinical and community settings; we follow that norm here.

CUP Eligibility

Autism Spectrum Disorder is on the Texas Compassionate Use Program’s current list of qualifying diagnoses.

Evidence Base for Low-THC Therapy

Cannabinoid therapy in autism is the subject of active research, much of it focused on irritability, sleep, and seizure activity in co-occurring epilepsy. Texas’s CUP authorizes low-THC products under a statutory cap. The certifying physician will discuss what the literature does and does not support in your situation.

What a CURT Physician Will Look For

• The developmental evaluation establishing the ASD diagnosis
• Co-occurring diagnoses (epilepsy, anxiety, GI conditions, sleep disorders)
• Current behavioral and pharmacologic treatment plan
• Specific symptom or behavior driving the request
• Treating clinician contact information for care coordination

Pediatric Intake and Guardian Consent

Many ASD patients are minors. The legal guardian participates throughout the intake, records submission, and visit, and provides consent on the patient’s behalf.

Step-by-Step Booking

1. Send a brief intake message describing the diagnosis, the patient’s age, and the symptom focus
2. Confirm Texas residency and review the records list with our intake team
3. Submit developmental and treatment records through the secure upload link
4. Attend the telehealth visit with the legal guardian present
5. If certified, the physician enters the patient in the Texas Compassionate Use Registry

Documentation Checklist

• Developmental evaluation establishing the ASD diagnosis
• Records of any co-occurring diagnoses
• Current medication and therapy list
• Government-issued Texas ID for the legal guardian
• Legal guardianship documentation

Patient-Asked Questions

Continue

Ready to proceed? Read The Texas CUP Evaluation Process, then schedule through our partner intake at miracleleaftx.com.