14 Common Misconceptions About Medication For Autism And ADHD
14 Common Misconceptions About Medication For Autism And ADHD
Blog Article
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism take psychotropic medication. Certain of these medications can help to reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behaviors that are often associated with ADHD.
The medications for ADHD can improve core symptoms of Autism, and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors such as aggression and self-injury, picking and licking or licking, trichotillomania, as well as obsessive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult situation for parents and children. However medications aren't always a solution. While medications can help manage certain conditions that are often associated with autism and can improve overall functioning however they will not cure or make your child "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to have ADHD and research has shown that stimulants can reduce core ADHD symptoms in these kids that include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most popular stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of dopamine in your brain. This neurotransmitter is used to regulate mood, behavior, as well as reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic medication on their children. Critics call them chemical straitjackets that make it easier for schools and parents to manage difficult behavior. Some also believe that the drugs do not tackle the underlying issues that cause autistic children much distress. These include social interaction issues, get more info anxiety and repetitive, restricted behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants -such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are effective at reducing the core ADHD symptoms that can cause problems with work, school, and family life. The stimulants also are believed to reduce the irritability of these children.
The same study revealed that atypical antipsychotics, like risperidone and aripiprazole (Abilify), may aid in reducing irritability in kids with autism and ADHD. But this finding is still preliminary. Further study is needed to confirm the findings and determine if these medications could help with other forms of irritability which can be associated with autism, like aggression or self-injury.
Another issue is that current studies don't focus on long-term use or other important factors, such as the potential for addiction. Some studies aren't as extensive or use different methods from others. This makes it difficult to compare results. But if your child has ADHD and autism, it's worth having a meeting with your doctor to determine the right medication for your child.
Medication can be an effective instrument for managing symptoms and improving quality of life for families affected by ADHD and autism, but it should not be used to substitute therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will assist you in determining the most effective dosage and medication to minimize the effects of side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. Medicines can help your child focus, be more productive in school and at home and fully participate in the therapies that are meant to treat autism. So your child will be able to take the biggest steps forward possible.