20 Top Tweets Of All Time Concerning Medication For Autism And ADHD
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults who have autism take psychotropic medication. Certain of these medications may help ease the irritability and severe disruptive behaviours that sometimes occur with ADHD.
The use of medications for ADHD can dramatically improve autism's primary symptoms and reduce impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. They can also help reduce undesirable behaviors such as aggression, self-injury and licking, picking or trichotillomania as well as obsessive compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult situation for parents as well as children. However medications aren't always the answer. Medications can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and improve overall functioning but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. It's not uncommon for children with autism to suffer from ADHD and research has shown that stimulants can help improve the core ADHD symptoms in these kids, including hyperactivity as well as inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most popular stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of dopamine in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter that aids in controlling mood, behavior and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the negative effects of psychotropic medication on their children. Some critics describe them as chemical straitjackets which make it easier for schools and parents to manage difficult behavior. Some people also argue that the drugs do not tackle the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so many problems. These include social interaction difficulties, anxiety and repetitive, restricted behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants -which include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine -- work in reducing the primary ADHD symptoms that can interfere with work, school, and family life. The stimulants also seem to decrease irritability in these children.
The same study revealed that atypical antipsychotics, like risperidone and aripiprazole (Abilify) may help with irritability in some children with autism and ADHD. But this finding is still in the early stages. More research is needed to confirm the results and determine if these drugs can help other types of irritability which can be associated with autism, like self-injury or aggression.
Another concern is that the current studies do not look at long-term use or other crucial factors, like the possibility of abuse. Certain studies are insignificant or employ different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare results. If add adhd medication is suffering from both ADHD and autism You should consult your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your child.
Medication is a tool that can be useful for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life in families affected by autism and ADHD, but it should not be used as an alternative to therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will assist you in determining the most effective dosage and medication to minimize side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. Your child may benefit from medication to help him or her focus and be more productive at school and home and fully participate in the therapies designed to treat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest gains possible.