Psychedelic Use in Autistic Adults: A New Path to Mental Health and Social Connection?

Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

A recent study published in Psychopharmacology has found that some autistic adults report lasting improvements in mental health and social engagement following psychedelic experiences.

This research suggests that psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin, may reduce distress and social anxiety while increasing social connectedness.

However, the study also underscores the need for caution, as a minority of participants reported negative experiences.

The Growing Interest in Psychedelics for Mental Health

The therapeutic potential of psychedelics has gained increasing attention in recent years.

Substances like psilocybin and LSD are being explored for their effects on depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition associated with social and communication challenges, often coexists with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Given these difficulties, researchers have begun investigating whether psychedelics might offer relief for autistic individuals in ways traditional treatments have not.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: How Do Psychedelics Affect Autistic Adults?

While anecdotal reports have long suggested that psychedelics might help autistic people better understand their emotions and social interactions, rigorous scientific studies in this area have been scarce.

This new research set out to explore the experiences of autistic adults who have used psychedelics and whether they perceived meaningful changes in their mental health and social lives.

Surveying the Psychedelic Experience

The study used an online survey to gather data from autistic adults who had used psychedelics at least once.

Participants were recruited through social media, online forums dedicated to autism and psychedelics, and an organization called the Autistic Psychedelic Community. The researchers ensured that the survey was designed to capture both positive and negative experiences to provide a balanced perspective.

A total of 284 folks completed the survey, with the final analysis focusing on 233 participants who reported that their most impactful psychedelic experience involved a classic psychedelic, such as LSD or psilocybin. Those whose primary experience involved MDMA, ketamine, or cannabis were excluded from the main analysis.

Participants were asked to reflect on their most impactful psychedelic experience and rate its significance compared to other life events.

They also completed a series of psychological assessments measuring long-term changes in mental health, social anxiety, psychological flexibility, and social connectedness.

Additionally, they answered questions about their subjective experiences while under the influence of the psychedelic, including the intensity of mystical or challenging experiences.

Key Findings: Lasting Benefits and Some Risks

A majority of participants reported that their psychedelic experience was one of the most impactful events of their lives. The most commonly reported benefits included:

Reduced Psychological Distress: Over 80% of participants felt a significant decrease in distress following their psychedelic experience.

Decreased Social Anxiety: Approximately 78% of participants reported feeling less anxious in social situations.

Increased Social Engagement: Around 70% of respondents felt more connected to others.

Enhanced Psychological Flexibility: Many participants reported greater ability to accept and cope with difficult thoughts and emotions.

Reduction in Autism-Associated Traits: A majority noted a decrease in autism-related characteristics, as measured by the Autism Quotient Short.

Improved Relationship Satisfaction: Many reported increased satisfaction with their personal relationships and sex lives.

However, not all experiences were positive. About 20% of participants reported adverse effects, including increased anxiety. Some described their psychedelic experience as one of the most distressing events of their lives.

Why Do Some Benefit While Others Struggle?

To understand what might contribute to these varying outcomes, researchers conducted statistical analyses.

They found that an increase in psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt to new situations and emotions—was the strongest predictor of reduced distress. While mystical experiences were weakly associated with positive outcomes, they were not as influential as psychological flexibility.

Interestingly, the intensity of challenging psychedelic experiences, such as fear or paranoia, did not strongly predict long-term mental health outcomes.

However, those who reported increased distress were more likely to have had difficult experiences during their trip.

Limitations and the Need for Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, it also has several limitations:

• Self-Selection Bias: Participants were recruited through online forums, meaning those with positive experiences may have been more likely to participate.

• Reliance on Memory: The study relied on retrospective self-reports, which can be influenced by memory biases.

• Modified Questionnaires: Standard psychological scales were adapted to measure long-term change, but their validity in this new format needs further validation.

• Cross-Sectional Design: The study captured data at one point in time and cannot establish a causal relationship between psychedelics and the reported changes.

The Future of Psychedelic Research in Autism

Despite these limitations, the study provides a compelling case for further research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for autistic clients. The authors emphasize that future studies should include controlled clinical trials to better understand the risks and benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy for autism.

Moreover, they stress that research should focus on enhancing well-being and understanding, rather than attempting to “cure” autism. They advocate for involving the autistic community in research efforts and prioritizing safety and ethical considerations in future studies. I think that’s a prudent approach.

Final Thoughts

The findings suggest that for some autistic adults, psychedelic experiences may lead to meaningful improvements in mental health and social functioning.

However, the variability in outcomes highlights the need for a cautious, research-driven approach.

As psychedelic therapy moves toward mainstream acceptance, understanding its role in supporting autistic folks will be essential for ensuring safe and effective treatments.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Stroud, J., Rice, C., Orsini, A., Schlosser, M., Lee, J., Mandy, W., & Kamboj, S. K. (2025). Perceived changes in mental health and social engagement attributed to a single psychedelic experience in autistic adults: results from an online survey. Psychopharmacology.