15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Medication For Autism And ADHD
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism use psychotropic drugs. Certain of these medications can reduce the intensity of irritability and disruptive behaviors that are sometimes caused by ADHD.
Medications for ADHD can dramatically improve autism's primary symptoms and reduce inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury and licking, trichotillomania and obsessive compulsive behaviors.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult and challenging condition for parents and children. However medication isn't always a solution. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and improve the overall quality of life however they aren't able to cure your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to suffer from ADHD, and studies show that stimulants can reduce the primary ADHD symptoms in these kids, including hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most popular stimulant. It works by increasing the production of dopamine in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Parents are often concerned about the effects of psychotropic medications on their children. They are often referred to as chemical straitjackets, making it easier for parents and schools to handle difficult behavior. Some people also argue that the drugs don't address the underlying issues that cause autistic children so much distress, such as social interaction difficulties anxiety, as well as restricted, repetitive behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantssuch as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective in reducing the main ADHD symptoms that can interfere with work, school, and family life. The stimulants also appear to reduce the irritability.
their website found that atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone and aripiprazole (Abilify) may aid in reducing irritability in children with autism and ADHD. This is a preliminary result. More research is needed to confirm the results and determine whether these drugs may help other forms of irritability that are common to autism, like self-injury or aggression.
Another issue is that the current studies don't examine long-term usage or other factors that are important, such as the potential for abuse. Some studies aren't as extensive or employ different methods than others, making it hard to compare outcomes. If your child has both ADHD and autism, you should talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your child.
Medication is an instrument that is helpful in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families affected by autism or ADHD however, it is not substitute for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will collaborate with you to determine the most effective dosage and medication to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure that it is helping your child. Medications can help your child concentrate, be more productive in school and at home and participate fully in the treatments meant to treat his or her autism. That way, your child can make the most strides that they can.