Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children who have autism take psychotropic medication. Certain of these medications can help to reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behaviors that are often associated with ADHD.
Treatments for ADHD can dramatically improve the autism's core symptoms and reduce the severity of impulsivity, inattention, as well as hyperactivity. They also can reduce undesirable behaviors such as aggression, self-injury and licking, picking, trichotillomania and obsessive compulsive signs.
Stimulants
Autism can be a difficult and challenging condition for parents as well as children. However, medication for adhd is not always the answer. While medications prescribed for adhd can help manage certain disorders that are typically associated coping with adhd without medication autism, and may enhance overall functioning but they aren't able to cure or make your child "normal."
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Children with autism are often diagnosed with ADHD. Research has proven that stimulants can improve the primary symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate, or Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases the activity of dopamine within the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that helps control behavior, mood, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the negative effects of psychotropic medication on their children. They are described by critics as chemical straitjackets that make it easier for schools and parents to deal with difficult behavior. Some say that the medications do not address the root issues that cause autistic children so many problems, including social interactions, anxiety, and restricted, repetitive behavior.
A study published in Pediatrics found that stimulants, like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, are effective for decreasing the primary ADHD symptom that can interfere with school, family and work. The stimulants also seem to decrease irritability in these children.
The same study revealed that atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify), may aid in reducing irritability in kids with autism and ADHD. This is a preliminary conclusion. Further study is needed to confirm the results and determine if these drugs may help other forms of irritability that can accompany autism, such as self-injury or aggression.
Another concern is that studies currently conducted don't consider the long-term effects of using drugs or other factors, like the potential for addiction. Some studies aren't as extensive or use different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare results. If your child has both ADHD and autism, you should talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your child.
The use of medication can be a beneficial instrument for managing symptoms and improving quality of life for families affected by ADHD and autism, however it shouldn't be used to replace therapy or other therapies. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most effective medication to use and the dosage that is most effective for your child. Your child can benefit from medication to help him or her concentrate and perform better at home and in school, and fully participate in the therapies designed to combat autism. That way, your child can take the biggest steps forward possible.