Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism take psychotropic medications. Some of these drugs can help to reduce the intensity of irritability and disruptive behaviors that are sometimes caused by ADHD.
The medication for ADHD can help improve the core symptoms of Autism and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury, licking and picking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a difficult situation for parents and children. However medications aren't always a solution. Medications can help manage certain conditions that can be associated with autism and can improve the overall quality of life 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 suffer from ADHD and research shows that stimulants can reduce the core ADHD symptoms in these children such as hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most frequently used stimulant, and it works by enhancing the dopamine activity in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. They are described by critics as chemical straitjackets, which help schools and parents to handle difficult behavior. Some say that the medications don't address the underlying issues that cause autistic children much stress, including social interactions anxiety, fear, and restricted, repetitive behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study that was published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants -which include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine are effective at reducing the core ADHD symptoms that can interfere with school, work, and family life. These drugs also appear to decrease the irritability.
In the same study, it was found that atypical Antipsychotics like Risperidone and Aripiprazole may help reduce irritability among some children suffering from ADHD and autism. This is a preliminary conclusion. medications for adhd is needed to confirm the findings and determine if these medications could help with other forms of irritability that are common to autism, like aggression or self-injury.
Another reason to be concerned is that the studies currently conducted don't consider the long-term effects of using drugs or other factors, like the potential for addiction. And medication for adult add are small or use different methods as compared to others, making it difficult to compare outcomes. 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 is helpful in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life in families affected by autism and ADHD However, it shouldn't be used as substitute for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will assist you in determining the best medication and dosage to minimize side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. Medicines can help your child to focus and perform better at the classroom and at home, and take part in the therapies that are meant to treat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest gains possible.