Why We Are In Love With Medication For Autism And ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Why We Are In Love With Medication For Autism And ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Blog Article
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism use psychotropic medications. Some of these drugs can help reduce the intensity of irritability and disruptive behavior that is often caused by ADHD.
The use of medications for ADHD can dramatically improve the core symptoms of autism and reduce inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce problem behaviors such as aggression and self-injury, licking and picking or licking, trichotillomania, as well as obsessive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be extremely challenging for parents and children, but medication is not always the answer. Medicines can help manage certain disorders that are often associated with autism and can improve overall functioning, but they won't cure your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Children with autism are typically diagnosed with ADHD. Studies show that stimulants can improve the main symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most commonly used stimulant, and it works by increasing the production of dopamine in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter which aids in controlling mood, behavior and reward systems.
Parents are often concerned about the impact of psychotropic medications on their children. Critics describe them as chemical straitjackets that allow schools and parents to manage difficult behaviors. Some argue that the drugs don't tackle the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so much distress. These include social difficulties, anxiety and repetitive, restricted behavior.
A study published in Pediatrics discovered that stimulants, including dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are effective for reduction of the core ADHD check here symptoms that can cause problems with school, family as well as work. These drugs also appear to decrease anger.
The same study revealed that atypical antipsychotics, such as Aripiprazole and Risperidone (Abilify) may help with irritability among kids with autism and ADHD. However, this research is preliminary. Further research is required to confirm these findings and determine if these drugs are able to help with other kinds of irritability, like aggression or injury.
Another concern is that current studies don't examine the long-term effects of using drugs or other aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. And some studies are small or use different methods than others, making it hard to compare outcomes. If your child suffers from both ADHD and autism, you should talk to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your child.
Medication can be an effective tool for managing symptoms and improving quality of life for families afflicted by ADHD and autism, but it shouldn't be used to replace therapy or other therapies. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication to use and the dosage that's most efficient for your child. Medications can help your child to focus and be more productive at school and at home and fully participate in the therapies that are meant to treat autism. Your child will be in a position to make the greatest progress possible.