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 often associated with ADHD.
The medication for ADHD can help improve the core symptoms of Autism and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. www.iampsychiatry.uk can also help reduce undesirable behaviors such as aggression, self-injury and licking, picking or trichotillomania as well as obsessive compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be extremely difficult for both children and parents, but medication is not always the solution. While medications can be helpful in managing certain disorders that are typically associated with autism and enhance overall functioning however they will not cure or make your child "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most common medications prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for children with autism to be diagnosed with ADHD and research has shown that stimulants can improve the primary ADHD symptoms in these kids such as hyperactivity inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate, or Ritalin is the most common stimulant. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter which aids in controlling mood, behavior and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the consequences of psychotropic medications on their children. They are described by critics as chemical straitjackets, which help schools and parents to handle difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs don't address the root causes that cause autistic children much distress, such as social interaction difficulties, anxiety, and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants -such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective at reducing the core ADHD symptoms that may interfere with work, school and family life. The stimulants also appear to decrease irritability.
The same study found that antipsychotics with atypical properties, such as Aripiprazole and Risperidone (Abilify), may help with irritability in some children with autism and ADHD. This is a preliminary finding. More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine if these drugs can help with other types of irritability, such as aggression or injury.
Another reason to be concerned is that the studies currently conducted don't consider long-term use or other important factors, such as the potential for addiction. And some studies are small or employ different methods than others, which makes it difficult to compare outcomes. If your child has both ADHD and autism, you should talk to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for him or her.
Medication is an instrument that is beneficial in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families with children who suffer from autism and ADHD, but it shouldn't be used as a replacement for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to determine which medication to use and the dosage that's most efficient for your child. Your child may benefit from medication to improve him or her concentrate and perform better at school and home and fully participate in the therapies designed to help treat autism. So your child can make the most strides possible.