Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children who have autism take psychotropic medication. Certain of these medications can help reduce the intensity of irritability and disruptive behaviors that are often caused by ADHD.
The medications for ADHD can help improve the core symptoms of Autism, and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. 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 condition for both parents and children. However, medication is not always a solution. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and can improve the overall quality of life, but they won't cure your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to have ADHD, and studies show that stimulants can reduce core ADHD symptoms in these children that include hyperactivity as well as inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most frequently used stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of dopamine in your brain. This neurotransmitter aids in controlling the mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the negative effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. They are described by critics as chemical straitjackets that help schools and parents to deal with difficult behavior. Some people also argue that the drugs don't tackle the underlying issues that cause autistic children much stress. These include social interaction problems, anxiety, and repetitive, restricted behavior.
If more info your child does have autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantswhich include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine -- work in reducing the main ADHD symptoms that can interfere with school, work and family life. The medications also are believed to reduce the irritability of these children.
The same study found that atypical antipsychotics, such as Aripiprazole and Risperidone (Abilify) can aid in reducing irritability in kids with autism and ADHD. But this finding is still in the early stages. Further research is required to confirm these findings and determine if these medications are able to help with other kinds of irritability, like aggression or injuries.
Another reason to be concerned is that the studies currently conducted don't consider the long-term effects of using drugs or other aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. Certain studies are insignificant, or they use different methods from others. This makes it difficult to compare results. However, if your child suffers from ADHD and autism, it's worth having a conversation with your doctor to determine what medication might be appropriate for him or her.
Medication is an instrument that can be useful for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life in families affected by autism or ADHD however, it is not a replacement for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to find the best dosage and medication to minimize the effects of side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. Medications can help your child concentrate and be more productive at school and at home and participate fully in the treatments meant to treat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest advancements possible.