Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism take psychotropic medications. Certain medications can help to reduce the intensity of irritability and disruptive behaviors that are often caused by ADHD.
Medications for ADHD can dramatically improve the autism's core symptoms and reduce the severity of impulsivity, inattention, as well as hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury and licking, picking, trichotillomania and obsessive compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult condition for both parents as well as children. However medications aren't always the answer. While medications can be helpful in managing certain conditions that are commonly associated with autism and can improve overall functioning however they will not cure or make your child "normal."
Stimulants are among the most common medications prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for children with autism to be diagnosed with ADHD, and studies show that stimulants can reduce core ADHD symptoms in these kids that include hyperactivity as well as inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most commonly used stimulant. It functions by increasing the activity of dopamine in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter that helps control behavior, mood, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the negative effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. Some critics call them chemical straitjackets that make it easier for parents and schools to manage difficult behavior. Some say that the medications don't address the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so many problems, including social interactions anxiety, fear, and limited, repetitive behaviors.
But if your child has autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantswhich include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine -- work in reducing the main ADHD symptoms that can interfere with work, school, and family life. The stimulants also appear to reduce irritability.
In the same study, it was discovered that atypical Antipsychotics like Risperidone and Aripiprazole may help reduce irritability among some children suffering from ADHD and autism. This is a preliminary conclusion. Further research is required to confirm these findings and determine if these medications help with other forms of irritability such as aggression or injuries.
Another concern is that studies currently conducted don't consider long-term use or other important factors, like the potential for addiction. Some studies are small, or they use different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare the results. However, if your child suffers from ADHD and autism, it's worth having a conversation with your doctor to see the right medication for him or her.
best adhd medication for adults uk can be an effective instrument for managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life for families afflicted by ADHD and autism, however it should not be used to substitute therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most effective medication to use and the dosage most effective for your child. Your child can benefit from medication that helps him or her concentrate and be more productive at home and in school and fully engage in the therapies meant to help treat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest gains possible.