Medication For Autism and ADHD

Many adults and children who have autism take psychotropic medication. Certain medications can help reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behavior that is often caused by ADHD.

The drugs for ADHD can help improve the core symptoms of Autism and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors like aggression and self-injury, picking and licking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Stimulants

Autism can be extremely difficult for parents and children, but medication is not always the solution. Medications can help manage certain disorders that are often associated with autism and improve general functioning but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."

The majority of stimulants are prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to suffer from ADHD and research shows that stimulants can improve the core ADHD symptoms in these children that include hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, is the most well-known stimulant. It improves the dopamine activity in the brain. This neurotransmitter aids in controlling the mood, behavior, and reward systems.

Parents are often concerned about the impact of psychotropic medications on their children. Some critics call them chemical straitjackets that make it easier for schools and parents to handle difficult behavior. And some people argue that the drugs don't address the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so much distress, such as social interactions anxiety, fear, and restricted, repetitive behaviors.

If your child is suffering from autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulants- including methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective in reducing the primary ADHD symptoms that can interfere with school, work and family life. These drugs also appear to reduce the irritability.

In the same study, it was discovered that atypical Antipsychotics like Aripiprazole and Risperidone can help reduce irritability among some children with ADHD and autism. This is a preliminary finding. Further study is needed to confirm the results and determine if these drugs can help other types of irritability that can accompany autism, such as self-injury or aggression.

Another issue is that current studies don't examine long-term use or other crucial factors, such as the potential for addiction. And some studies are small or employ different methods as compared to others, making read more it hard to compare outcomes. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD and autism, it's worth a conversation with your doctor to determine what medication might be appropriate for your child.

The use of medication can be a beneficial tool to manage symptoms and enhancing quality of life for families afflicted by ADHD and autism, however it shouldn't be used to replace therapy or other therapies. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the most effective medication to use and the dosage that is most efficient for your child. Your child can benefit from medication to help his or her focus and be more productive at school and home, and fully participate in the treatments designed to combat autism. This way your child will be able to take the biggest steps forward that they can.