Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism take psychotropic medication. Some of these drugs can help reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behavior that is often associated with ADHD.
Medications for ADHD can dramatically improve the autism's primary symptoms and reduce the severity of impulsivity, inattention, as well as hyperactivity. They also can reduce problematic behaviors like aggression and self-injury, licking and picking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult situation for parents and children. However medications aren't always a solution. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and can improve the overall quality of life but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for children with autism to be diagnosed with ADHD and research has shown that stimulants can reduce core ADHD symptoms in these kids such as hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most popular stimulant. It functions by enhancing the dopamine activity in your 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. how to treat adhd without medication in adults describe them as chemical straitjackets, which make it easier for schools and parents to deal with difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs don't solve the root issues that cause autistic children much distress. These include social interactions difficulties, anxiety and repetitive, recurrent behavior that is restricted.
A study published in Pediatrics found that stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are effective in reduction of the core ADHD symptom that can interfere with school, family, and work life. The stimulants also appear to decrease anger.
In the same study, it was found that atypical antipsychotics like Risperidone and Aripiprazole may aid in reducing irritability in some children suffering from ADHD and autism. This is a preliminary conclusion. More research is needed to confirm the findings and determine whether these drugs could help with other forms of irritability which can be associated with autism, such as aggression or self-injury.
Another issue is that current studies don't focus on the long-term effects of using drugs or other aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. Some studies are small, or they use different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare results. But if your child has ADHD and autism, it's a good idea to have a meeting with your doctor to see which medication is appropriate for your child.
Medication can be a useful tool to manage symptoms and improving the quality of life for families affected by ADHD and autism, but it should not 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's most efficient for your child. Medications can help your child to focus, be more productive in the classroom and at home, and fully participate in the programs that are meant to treat his or her autism. So your child will be able to make the most strides that they can.