Autism Parenting Magazine provided me with the following infographic Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms
In the past, I wrote about autism as a whole-body disorder. There are a variety of other co-occurring conditions connected with autism.
I wrote about the sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal distress and food related issues we experience in our house, but also learned it is common for individuals on the spectrum to also be diagnosed with seizure disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
In the APM article, I learn The Interactive Autism Network and Kennedy Krieger Institute states “No medication is currently approved to treat the core symptoms of autism. However, a number of medications are prescribed to treat other conditions and symptoms often found in children and adults with autism, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, self-injury, aggression, and seizure disorders.”
Medications used to treat symptoms of autism are sometimes used “off-label” meaning that the medications were not originally developed to be used to treat symptoms of autism, but enough tests and research make them an appropriate option to try. (Like we tried after learning the possible benefits of L-Carnosine and Autism).
And since I learn major depression is one of the more serious conditions common in people with autism, one that may be misunderstood or even missed, I would like to reference Depression and Autism for a list of characteristics of depression for those on the spectrum.
What medications are there? Are there side effects? Are they working? Are other treatment options available?
If you click on the infographic below you will be taken to the APM article to learn the answers to these questions and learn more about treating autism and its core symptoms. Check it out!
Thank you so much for this info. In the U.K. it really depends on which Doctor or Specialist you see. One example is that a few years back we saw a Paediatrician who said that he was keen to try some medication to try and ease some of the hyperactivity and tension – we agreed to think about it and see him at the next meeting. At the next meeting we saw a different Paediatrician who told us that this medication was absolutely not recommended and he surprised that we had considered it in the first place.
That is really frustrating. I think the same thing happens here – it really does matter who you see, who you know, who you trust. And we are still trying to find that person – especially when it comes to medications!
Very interesting and informative post. Thank you.
Wonderful! Thank you!
We’ve had some good results and some really horrible ones with different medications for Ben. It’s especially difficult to guage side effects because he doesn’t have the speech to be able to explain how he feels or maybe he doesn’t know how he feels.
He currently takes a medication for depression, a medication for high blood pressure and an atypical anti-psychotic and he has none of these diagnosis.
All this info in one place is awesome. I’ve found that if a doctor is unsure, some will accept information about different meds to try. This is double great for parents. For their own info and to possibly help inform their child’s doctor.
I really thought this was helpful too – and it is interesting to hear the meds Ben is on, and that he doesn’t carry those diagnoses. In the article, Temple Grandin states that she wouldn’t be able to function without antidepressants – but she doesn’t actually say she is diagnosed with depression. It’s so interesting.
Very interesting article, thanks for sharing
Thank you for reading!
I love your articles
Thank you! I love yours too – wish I had them when I was having my babies – they are so informative with great tips!
Thanks
Thanks for sharing this!
Wonderful! I am glad you like it!
Very informative
Thank you!
My daughter had what they diagnosed at the time as mild Autism. She was killed in a car wreck so I no longer have to look up things but in her honor, I still keep up with this in order to try and help others whose children have it. Thanks so much for a great article!
I am so sorry for your loss. That is wonderful of you to keep spreading information about autism. Thank you!
Thank you. I had no other way I could think of to better honor her memory and her life. Thank you for your information and articles! 🙂