Three Reasons Why 3 Reasons Why Your Medication For Autism And ADHD Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

Medication For Autism and ADHD

Many children and adults with autism take psychotropic medication. Some of these medications help ease the irritability and severe disruptive behavior that can occur with ADHD.

The medications for ADHD can help improve the core symptoms of Autism and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors like aggression and self-injury, licking and picking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Stimulants

Autism can be a difficult situation for parents as well as children. However medication isn't always a solution. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and improve general functioning but they can't fix 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 research shows that stimulants can improve the primary ADHD symptoms in these kids such as hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. It works by increasing the dopamine activity in the brain. It is a neurotransmitter that helps control behavior, mood, and reward systems.

Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. They are often referred to as chemical straitjackets, which make it easier for schools and parents to deal with difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs don't address the underlying problems that cause autistic children much stress.  adhd depression medication  include social problems, anxiety, and repetitive, restricted behavior.

But if your child has autism and ADHD A study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantssuch as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective in reducing the primary ADHD symptoms that can interfere with work, school and family life. The stimulants also appear to decrease irritability.

The same study revealed that antipsychotics with atypical properties, such as Aripiprazole and Risperidone (Abilify), may help with irritability among children with autism and ADHD. However, this is preliminary. Further research is required to confirm the findings and determine if these drugs could help with other forms of irritability that can accompany autism, like aggression or self-injury.

Another reason to be concerned is that the studies currently conducted don't consider long-term use or other crucial factors, like the potential for addiction. Some studies aren't as extensive or employ different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare the results. If your child suffers from both ADHD and autism it is important to talk with your doctor about the most appropriate medication for him or her.

Medication is an instrument that can be useful for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families affected by autism and ADHD, but it is not substitute for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication to use and the dosage that is most effective for your child. Your child can benefit from medication to improve him or her focus, be more productive at school and home and fully engage in the therapies meant to help treat autism. So, your child can take the biggest steps forward possible.