10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has About Medication For Autism And ADHD
10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has About Medication For Autism And ADHD
Blog Article
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults with autism use psychotropic drugs. Certain of these medications can help to reduce the irritability or severe disruptive behaviors that are sometimes associated with ADHD.
The use of medications for ADHD can significantly improve autism's primary symptoms and reduce inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors like aggression and self-injury, picking and licking as well as trichotillomania and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult condition for both parents as well as children. However medication isn't always the best solution. Medications can help manage certain conditions that can be associated with autism and can help improve the overall quality of life but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to suffer from ADHD, and studies show that stimulants can improve the primary ADHD symptoms in these children such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Methylphenidate, or Ritalin is the most common stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases the activity of dopamine within the brain. It is a neurotransmitter that aids in controlling mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Parents are often concerned about the impact of psychotropic medication on their children. Some critics describe them as chemical straitjackets which allow schools and parents to manage difficult behavior. And some people say that the medications don't address the root causes that cause autistic children so much stress, including social difficulties anxiety, as well as limited, repetitive behaviors.
If your child is suffering from autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulants- including methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective in reducing the main ADHD symptoms that may interfere with work, school, and family life. These drugs also appear to reduce anger.
The same study also found that antipsychotics with atypical properties, such as aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify) can help with irritability among kids with autism and ADHD. However, this research is in the early stages. More research is needed to confirm these results and determine if these medications are able to help with other kinds of irritability, like aggression or injuries.
A second concern is that the current studies don't look at long-term use or other factors that are important, such as the potential for abuse. Some studies aren't as extensive or employ different methods than 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 physician to determine which medication is appropriate for your child.
Medication is a tool that can be useful for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families with children who suffer from autism and ADHD however, it should not be used as an alternative to therapy or here other treatments. Your doctor will assist you in determining the best dosage and medication to minimize the effects of side effects and ensure that it is helping your child. Medications can help your child concentrate, be more productive in the classroom and at home, and take part in the therapies that are designed to treat autism. Your child will be in a position to make the greatest advancements possible.