Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults with autism use psychotropic medication. Some of these medications help ease the irritability and extreme disruptive behaviors that can are common in ADHD.
Treatments for ADHD can significantly improve autism's primary symptoms and decrease impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. They also can reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury, licking and picking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a huge challenge for both children and parents, but medication is not always the solution. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that can be associated with autism and can improve the overall quality of life, but they won't cure your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to be diagnosed with ADHD, and studies show that stimulants can reduce the primary ADHD symptoms in these children such as hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most frequently used stimulant. It works by increasing the dopamine activity in your brain. This neurotransmitter aids in controlling the mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the effect of psychotropic medications on their children. They are often referred to as chemical straitjackets, which make it easier for schools and parents to deal with difficult behavior. Some also believe that the drugs don't solve the root issues that cause autistic children much stress. These include social interaction problems, anxiety, and repetitive, restricted behavior.
A study published in Pediatrics discovered that stimulants, including methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, are effective for decreasing the primary ADHD symptoms that can cause problems with family, school as well as work. The medications also appear to reduce irritability in these kids.
The same study found that atypical antipsychotics, like aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify) may help with irritability among kids with autism and ADHD. However, this is preliminary. Further more info research is needed to confirm these results and determine if these medicines help with other forms of irritability, such as aggression or injuries.
Another issue is that current studies don't examine 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 as compared to others, making 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.
Medication can be a useful tool to manage symptoms and improving the quality of life for families affected by ADHD and autism, but it shouldn't be used to substitute therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to find the best medication and dosage to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. Medications can help your child concentrate, be more productive in school and at home and take part in the treatments meant to treat his or her autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest advancements possible.