Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Medication For Autism And ADHD?
Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Medication For Autism And ADHD?
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Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children who have autism take psychotropic medications. Some of these medications help ease the irritability and extreme disruptive behaviors that can occur with ADHD.
The medication for ADHD can improve core symptoms of Autism, and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors such as aggression and self-injury, licking and picking as well as trichotillomania and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a difficult and challenging condition for parents and children. However, medication is not always the answer. Medications can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and can help improve the overall quality of life but they can't fix 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 studies show that stimulants can improve core ADHD symptoms in these children that include hyperactivity as well as inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most frequently used stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of dopamine 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 often referred to as chemical straitjackets, which make it easier for parents and schools to manage difficult behavior. Some people also argue that the drugs do not address the root issues that cause autistic kids so many problems, including social difficulties anxiety, as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors.
If your child does have autism and ADHD A study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantssuch as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- work in reducing the main ADHD symptoms that can interfere with school, work and family life. The stimulants also appear to reduce anger.
In the same study, it was discovered that atypical antipsychotics such as Aripiprazole and Risperidone can aid in reducing irritability in some children suffering from ADHD and autism. This is a preliminary conclusion. Further study is needed to confirm the results and determine if these drugs could help with other forms of irritability that can accompany click here autism, like self-injury or aggression.
A second concern is that the current studies don't examine long-term usage or other factors that are important, such as the potential for abuse. Some studies are small or employ different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare results. However, if your child suffers from ADHD and autism, it's a good idea to have a meeting with your doctor to see the right medication for your child.
Medication can be a useful tool to manage symptoms and enhancing 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 with you to determine the best medication to use and the dosage most efficient for your child. Your child can benefit from medication to improve him or her concentrate, be more productive at home and in school and fully participate in the therapies meant to help treat autism. That way your child will be able to make the most strides possible.