14 Questions You're Uneasy To Ask Medication For Autism And ADHD
14 Questions You're Uneasy To Ask Medication For Autism And ADHD
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Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults who have autism take psychotropic medication. Some of these medications aid in reducing the irritability and extreme disruptive behaviors that can are common in ADHD.
The use of medications for ADHD can dramatically improve core symptoms of autism and reduce inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce problem behaviors like aggression, self-injury, licking and picking or licking, trichotillomania, as well as obsessive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult situation for parents as well as children. However, medication is not always the best solution. Medicines can help manage certain disorders that are often associated with autism and improve overall functioning, but they won't cure your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are among the most common medications prescribed for ADHD. Children with autism are frequently diagnosed with ADHD. Studies have shown that stimulants can improve the main symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD, including hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most commonly used stimulant. It functions by enhancing the dopamine activity in your brain. This neurotransmitter is used to regulate mood, behavior, as well as reward systems.
However, many parents worry about the effect of psychotropic medication on their children. Some critics describe them as chemical straitjackets which make it easier check here for schools and parents to deal with difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs don't address the root causes that cause autistic children so much distress, such as social difficulties, anxiety, and restricted, repetitive behavior.
A study published in Pediatrics found that stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are effective in reduction of the core ADHD symptoms that can cause problems with school, family as well as work. The medications also are believed to reduce the irritability of these kids.
The same study revealed that atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify) may help with irritability among kids with autism and ADHD. This is a preliminary result. More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine if these medications can help with other types of irritability, such as aggression or injury.
A second concern is that the current studies don't examine long-term usage or other important factors like the potential for abuse. Some studies are small or employ different methods from others. This makes it difficult to compare results. But if your child has ADHD and autism, it's worth having a meeting with your doctor to see what medication might be appropriate for him or her.
Medication can be a useful instrument for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families affected by ADHD and autism, but it should not be used to replace therapy or other therapies. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the best medication to use and the dosage that's most effective for your child. Your child may benefit from medication to improve him or her concentrate and be more productive at home and at school and fully engage in the therapies designed to help treat autism. Your child will be in a position to make the greatest gains possible.