Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults with autism take psychotropic medication. Some of these medications aid in reducing the irritability and severe disruptive behavior that can occur with ADHD.
add in adults medication for ADHD can dramatically improve the autism's core symptoms and reduce the severity of impulsivity, inattention, as well as hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors such as aggression and self-injury, picking and licking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a difficult situation for parents and children. However medication isn't always the answer. 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 common medications prescribed for ADHD. for beginners 's not uncommon for children with autism to have ADHD and research shows that stimulants can help improve core ADHD symptoms in these kids, including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Methylphenidate, or Ritalin is the most well-known stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that aids in controlling mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Parents are often concerned about the effect of psychotropic drugs on their children. have a peek at this site call them chemical straitjackets that make it easier for parents and schools to manage difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs don't address the underlying problems that cause autistic children so much stress. These include social interaction problems, anxiety, and repetitive, recurrent behavior that is restricted.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study that was published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantswhich include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine -- work at reducing the core ADHD symptoms that can interfere with school, work, and family life. The stimulants also appear to reduce the irritability.
The same study also found that atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify) can help with irritability in some children with autism and ADHD. This is a preliminary result. Further research is required to confirm the results and determine whether these drugs may help other forms of irritability that are common to autism, like aggression or self-injury.
Another issue is that studies currently conducted don't consider long-term use or other important aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. Some studies aren't as extensive or use different methods than others, which makes it difficult to compare results. If your child has both ADHD and autism it is important to talk with your doctor about the most appropriate treatment for your child.
The use of medication can be a beneficial tool to manage symptoms and enhancing quality of life for families afflicted by ADHD and autism, but it should not be used to replace therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the best medication to use and the dosage that is most effective for your child. Your child can benefit from medication to improve his or her focus, be more productive at home and at school, and fully participate in the therapies meant to combat autism. Your child will be capable of making the most significant advancements possible.