Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many people, both adults and children with autism take psychotropic medications. Some of these medications can help ease the irritability and extreme disruptive behaviors that can occur in ADHD.
The use of medications for ADHD can significantly improve autism's primary symptoms and reduce impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury, picking and licking as well as trichotillomania and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be extremely challenging for parents and children however, medication isn't always the solution. While medication can help manage certain conditions that are commonly associated with autism and can improve overall functioning but they aren't able to cure or make your child "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Children with autism are frequently diagnosed with ADHD. Studies show that stimulants can help improve the primary symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most popular stimulant. It works by increasing the production of dopamine in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter that helps control behavior, mood, and reward systems.
Parents are often concerned about the impact of psychotropic medications on their children. They are often referred to as chemical straitjackets that make it easier for parents and schools to manage difficult behavior. Some say that the medications don't address the root causes that cause autistic kids so much stress, including social difficulties anxiety, as well as restricted, repetitive behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study that was published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulants- including methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- work in reducing the primary ADHD symptoms that can interfere with work, school, and family life. The medications also appear to reduce irritability in these children.
The same study also found that atypical antipsychotics, like risperidone and aripiprazole (Abilify), may aid in reducing irritability in kids with autism and ADHD. This is a preliminary finding. adhd medication list is required to confirm these findings and determine if these medications can help with other types of irritability such as aggression or injuries.
A second concern is that the current studies don't analyze long-term use or other factors that are important, such as the potential for abuse. Some studies are small or use different methods from others. This makes it difficult to compare the results. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD and autism, it's worth a meeting with your doctor to see what medication might be appropriate for him or her.
Medication can be an effective instrument for managing symptoms and improving 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 closely with you to determine the most effective medication to use and the dosage that is most efficient for your child. Your child will benefit from medication that helps him or her concentrate and be more productive at home and in school, and fully participate in the therapies designed to treat autism. Your child will be capable of making the most significant advancements possible.