Since side effects are reversible when medications are stopped, a trial of use - as long as it is carefully observed and monitored - should not bring long-term problems.ĪDHD non-stimulants cause side effects less often than stimulants, but succeed less frequently. Side effects are easily managed and, after a period of sustained trial and error to find a best fit, often entirely avoidable. Generally, stimulants are not active after the medication wears off on any given day, allowing for fairly rapid adjustments if a medication is not working well. Reading, writing, and other academics often improve as well. For anyone struggling with both autism and ADHD, removing the added burden of ADHD can have direct benefit at home, in the classroom, socially, and even during the therapy sessions meant to address autism itself. Medications are not as useful for other ADHD-related issues, such as difficulty with time management and planning. These medications can bring substantial improvement to “core” ADHD symptoms that undermine social, behavioral, or academic progress in a child with autism, such as poor focus, inability to complete a task, and impulsivity. Research shows the success rate for stimulant use is near 80 percent. Yet finding a good fit is harder when autism and ADHD occur together, for reasons not yet known. When prescribing ADHD medications, the goal is to avoid persistent, significant side effects. There are two groups of medication currently used to treat ADHD: stimulants (such as Ritalin or Adderall) and non-stimulants (such as Strattera or Intuniv). As part of this broad approach, ADHD medication can be life-changing for some children. With or without autism, ADHD requires comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care that usually includes, at minimum, both behavioral and educational interventions. In fact, nearly half of all kids with autism demonstrate ADHD symptoms - an added burden that undermines academic, behavioral, and social progress. We now know the two conditions frequently occur together. Here’s what to consider when discussing medications for someone with autism: ADHD MedicationsĪt one time an autism diagnosis automatically precluded a diagnosis of ADHD. While none directly addresses the developmental disorder of autism, they can profoundly benefit children. There are three groups of medications considered appropriate for autism: those used to treat co-occurring ADHD symptoms, antidepressants/anti-anxiety medications, and atypical anti-psychotic medications. The first step for providers and parents is to collaborate in deciding on what most affects a child’s life and to balance the pros and cons in making a choice for or against autism medication. These medications do not treat autism itself, but they offer relief from symptoms that commonly occur along with it. In fact, several medications may benefit children with autism when other options are inadequate. When that happens, families face a tough question: Are there any medications worth trying? Many families report benefits from alternative care.ĭespite such intensive non-medical approaches, various symptoms sometimes remain in children who have an autism spectrum disorder (a term that has replaced both Asperger’s Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS). Occupational therapy refines fine motor skills and improves self-help abilities, as well as addressing sensory issues (such as being hypersensitive to touch or noise). Behavioral and speech/language therapies are central to autism treatment. Lily is worried because she knows he can do the work, but he isn’t keeping up with his classmates.Īutism, a developmental disorder primarily defined by delays in social and communication skills, relies on non-medical interventions for children to progress. Connor hates it, and can’t focus without his mom sitting next to him. Homework is a nightmare, even with a reward system and a fine-tuned routine. His teachers say that he tries hard, but he needs support to get his work done. After years of special education services, he’s gotten much better socially, but he still struggles with reading and writing assignments. Lily is the harried mother of Connor, a 12-year-old with autism.
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