15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Medication For Autism And ADHD

15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Medication For Autism And ADHD

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Medication For Autism and ADHD

Many adults and children with autism use psychotropic medications. Some of these drugs can help reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behaviors that are sometimes caused by ADHD.

Treatments for ADHD can dramatically improve autism's primary symptoms and decrease impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce aggressive behaviors such as self-injury and licking, trichotillomania, and other obsessive compulsive signs.

Stimulants

Autism can be extremely difficult for parents and children, but medication is not always the solution. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and improve general functioning however they aren't able to cure your child's autism or make them "normal."

The majority of stimulants are prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for children with autism to have ADHD and research shows that stimulants can reduce the core ADHD symptoms in these kids such as hyperactivity as well as inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, is the most common stimulant. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. It is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, behavior, and reward systems.

Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic medications on their children. Critics call them chemical straitjackets that make it easier for schools and parents to handle difficult behavior. Some people also argue that the drugs don't tackle the underlying issues that cause autistic children so much distress. They include social interactions problems, anxiety, and repetitive, recurrent behavior that is restricted.

A study published in Pediatrics found that stimulants, including dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are effective for decreasing the primary ADHD symptom that can interfere with family, school as well as work. These drugs also appear to decrease irritability.

The same study found that atypical antipsychotics, like Aripiprazole and Risperidone (Abilify), may help with irritability in some kids with autism and ADHD. However, this is in the early stages. Further research is required to confirm the findings and determine whether these drugs can help other types of irritability that can accompany autism, like aggression or self-injury.

Another concern is that the current studies do not analyze long-term use or other factors that are important, such as the possibility of abuse. And some studies are small or employ different methods as compared to others, making it hard to compare outcomes. If your child is suffering from both ADHD and autism it is important to talk with your doctor about the best medication for your child.

Medication is an instrument that is beneficial in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life in families with children who suffer from autism and ADHD, but it shouldn't be used as substitute for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine which medication to use and the dosage most effective for your child. Medicines can help your child to focus and be more productive at the classroom and at home, and fully participate in the therapies that are meant to treat their autism. That more info way, your child can make the most significant strides possible.