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children. It is important that parents work with a doctor who has experience with children with autism. A child should be
monitored closely while taking a medication. The doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to be effective. Ask the doctor
about any side effects the medication may have and keep a record of how your child responds to the medication.
We do not endorse any specific medication. The information provided here is meant as an overview of the types of medications
sometimes prescribed. Be sure to consult a medical professional for more information.
Risperdal
Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug, has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the symptoms of autism
in children and adolescents ages 5 to 16. It’s the first time the FDA has approved any drug to treat behaviors such as aggression,
deliberate self-injury and severe temper tantrums associated with autism in children. Some doctors warn that the drug should be
used only after other treatments are tried that don’t involve medication.
The FDA’s new approval for the use of Risperdal for autistic children comes after two eight-week placebo-controlled trials in 156
patients ages 5 to 16, 90 percent of whom were ages 5 to 12. If intervention without medication is not successful in changing the
child’s behavior and if the child is doing such things as banging his/her head or biting themselves, then perhaps there is a place
monitored closely while taking a medication. The doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to be effective. Ask the doctor
about any side effects the medication may have and keep a record of how your child responds to the medication.
We do not endorse any specific medication. The information provided here is meant as an overview of the types of medications
sometimes prescribed. Be sure to consult a medical professional for more information.
Risperdal
Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug, has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the symptoms of autism
in children and adolescents ages 5 to 16. It’s the first time the FDA has approved any drug to treat behaviors such as aggression,
deliberate self-injury and severe temper tantrums associated with autism in children. Some doctors warn that the drug should be
used only after other treatments are tried that don’t involve medication.
The FDA’s new approval for the use of Risperdal for autistic children comes after two eight-week placebo-controlled trials in 156
patients ages 5 to 16, 90 percent of whom were ages 5 to 12. If intervention without medication is not successful in changing the
child’s behavior and if the child is doing such things as banging his/her head or biting themselves, then perhaps there is a place
Medications are often used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression, self-injurious
behavior, and severe tantrums. These behaviors interfere with a child from functioning more
effectively at home or school. The medications used are those that have been developed to treat
similar symptoms in other disorders. Many of these medications used for autism may have not
been officially approved by the FDA for use in children, but the doctor prescribes them if he or
she feels they are appropriate for your child. Further research needs to be done to ensure not
only the efficacy but the safety of experimental drugs used in the treatment of children and
adolescents.
There are a number of medications, developed for other conditions which have been found
effective in treating some of the symptoms and behaviors frequently found in individuals with
autism. The goal of medications is to reduce these behaviors to allow the individual with autism
to take advantage of educational and behavioral treatments. People with autism have very
sensitive nervous systems. Some individuals may require much lower doses of medications than
people with a normal nervous system. This will vary from individual to individual.
A child with ASD may not respond in the same way to medications as typically developing
behavior, and severe tantrums. These behaviors interfere with a child from functioning more
effectively at home or school. The medications used are those that have been developed to treat
similar symptoms in other disorders. Many of these medications used for autism may have not
been officially approved by the FDA for use in children, but the doctor prescribes them if he or
she feels they are appropriate for your child. Further research needs to be done to ensure not
only the efficacy but the safety of experimental drugs used in the treatment of children and
adolescents.
There are a number of medications, developed for other conditions which have been found
effective in treating some of the symptoms and behaviors frequently found in individuals with
autism. The goal of medications is to reduce these behaviors to allow the individual with autism
to take advantage of educational and behavioral treatments. People with autism have very
sensitive nervous systems. Some individuals may require much lower doses of medications than
people with a normal nervous system. This will vary from individual to individual.
A child with ASD may not respond in the same way to medications as typically developing
skills; use caution until the effect of Risperdal is known.
The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal in pediatric patients with autistic disorder less than 5 years of age have not been
established. If you or the child observes these symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional. The dosage of Risperdal should be
individualized for children and adolescents based on weight
Secretin
Secretin is a chemical messenger one of the hormones that controls gastric function digestion. Although secretin is generally
considered safe for single dose diagnostic use, no data are available yet as to the safety of repeated doses over time and no data
have been submitted on its safety and efficacy for children. Secretin is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of Autism.
Some physicians may use this drug as treatment at their own discretion. However, without a proper antibodies test first this drug
might become a serious problem.
Researchers are concerned about side effects over time on the young child and many remain worried with allergic reactions.
Currently, the risks appear to be exceeding the gains by a long margin. It was reported three children with autistic spectrum
disorders who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and injections of secretin. All three within 5 weeks of the secretin
treatment, exhibited a significant improvement of the children's gastrointestinal symptoms was observed, as was a dramatic
improvement in their behavior, manifested by improved eye contact, alertness, and expansion of expressive language. These
clinical observations suggest an association between gastrointestinal and brain function in patients with autistic behavior. Reports
indicate that it is also effective in social development.
No double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of secretin treatment in autism have been conducted At the present time, there is no
agreed upon procedure to determine which children may potentially benefit from the use of this drug. Physicians are advised that,
like all drugs, there is the possibility of adverse events that may be associated with individual allergies or sensitivity. Although it is
possible that some of the patients respond well to the research studies, the available evidence does not suggest that secretin is a
useful treatment for children with autism.
Serotonin and anti depressants
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and anxiety that are
sometimes present in autism. Because researchers have consistently found elevated levels of serotonin in the bloodstream of
one-third of individuals with autism, these drugs could potentially reverse some of the symptoms of serotonin impairments in
autism. Serotonin has affected the regulation of many functions, such as learning, memory, sensory and motor processes, and,
most important for treatment, repetitive behaviors that are relevant to autism.
Studies have shown that several anti depressants may reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors, and may
decrease irritability, tantrums and aggressive behavior. Some children have shown improvements in eye contact and
responsiveness. However, all these drugs have potential side-effects, which should be discussed before treatment is started.
Anti-psychotic medications have been the most widely studied in autism over the past 35 years. Originally developed for treating
schizophrenia, these drugs have been found to decrease hyperactivity, stereotypic behaviors, withdrawal and aggression in
individuals with autism. Like the antidepressants, these drugs all have potential side effects, including sedation.
Stimulants used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with autism. Although few
studies have been done, they may increase focus, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in autism, particularly in
higher-functioning children. Dosages need to be carefully monitored, however, because behavioral side effects are often
dose-related.
There is increasing recognition that childhood autism can be favorably modified by appropriate medication. Medications that
proved to be beneficial are the same as those used for mood disorder in the non-autistic population, namely SSRIs (selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors), atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers (lithium or antiepileptic agents).
Divalproex Sodium
The Divalproex (Depakote) Study examines efficacy of Divalproex sodium, a drug that is already FDA-approved for the treatment
of epilepsy or manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. This mood stabilizer may help in reducing autistic symptoms, such
as impulsivity, aggression, and social and language deficits, in children/adolescents with autism.
The present study evaluated the use of divalproex in the treatment of repetitive, compulsive-like symptoms of autism spectrum
disorder. Thirteen individuals with ASD participated in an 8 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium vs.
placebo. There was a significant group difference on improvement in repetitive behaviors as measured by the Children's
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. This study provides preliminary support for the use of divalproex in treating repetitive
behaviors in ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the specificity and mechanism of action of these findings.
No Cure for Autism
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. As of now there is no one method alone used effectively in treating autism.
However, professionals and families have found that a combination of treatments may be effective in treating symptoms and
behaviors that make it hard for individuals with autism to function. These may include behavioral and pharmacological
interventions. While there are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct the underlying neurological problems that seem
to cause autism, parents and professionals have found that some drugs used for other disorders are sometimes effective in
treating some aspects of or behaviors associated with autism.
The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal in pediatric patients with autistic disorder less than 5 years of age have not been
established. If you or the child observes these symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional. The dosage of Risperdal should be
individualized for children and adolescents based on weight
Secretin
Secretin is a chemical messenger one of the hormones that controls gastric function digestion. Although secretin is generally
considered safe for single dose diagnostic use, no data are available yet as to the safety of repeated doses over time and no data
have been submitted on its safety and efficacy for children. Secretin is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of Autism.
Some physicians may use this drug as treatment at their own discretion. However, without a proper antibodies test first this drug
might become a serious problem.
Researchers are concerned about side effects over time on the young child and many remain worried with allergic reactions.
Currently, the risks appear to be exceeding the gains by a long margin. It was reported three children with autistic spectrum
disorders who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and injections of secretin. All three within 5 weeks of the secretin
treatment, exhibited a significant improvement of the children's gastrointestinal symptoms was observed, as was a dramatic
improvement in their behavior, manifested by improved eye contact, alertness, and expansion of expressive language. These
clinical observations suggest an association between gastrointestinal and brain function in patients with autistic behavior. Reports
indicate that it is also effective in social development.
No double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of secretin treatment in autism have been conducted At the present time, there is no
agreed upon procedure to determine which children may potentially benefit from the use of this drug. Physicians are advised that,
like all drugs, there is the possibility of adverse events that may be associated with individual allergies or sensitivity. Although it is
possible that some of the patients respond well to the research studies, the available evidence does not suggest that secretin is a
useful treatment for children with autism.
Serotonin and anti depressants
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and anxiety that are
sometimes present in autism. Because researchers have consistently found elevated levels of serotonin in the bloodstream of
one-third of individuals with autism, these drugs could potentially reverse some of the symptoms of serotonin impairments in
autism. Serotonin has affected the regulation of many functions, such as learning, memory, sensory and motor processes, and,
most important for treatment, repetitive behaviors that are relevant to autism.
Studies have shown that several anti depressants may reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors, and may
decrease irritability, tantrums and aggressive behavior. Some children have shown improvements in eye contact and
responsiveness. However, all these drugs have potential side-effects, which should be discussed before treatment is started.
Anti-psychotic medications have been the most widely studied in autism over the past 35 years. Originally developed for treating
schizophrenia, these drugs have been found to decrease hyperactivity, stereotypic behaviors, withdrawal and aggression in
individuals with autism. Like the antidepressants, these drugs all have potential side effects, including sedation.
Stimulants used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with autism. Although few
studies have been done, they may increase focus, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in autism, particularly in
higher-functioning children. Dosages need to be carefully monitored, however, because behavioral side effects are often
dose-related.
There is increasing recognition that childhood autism can be favorably modified by appropriate medication. Medications that
proved to be beneficial are the same as those used for mood disorder in the non-autistic population, namely SSRIs (selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors), atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers (lithium or antiepileptic agents).
Divalproex Sodium
The Divalproex (Depakote) Study examines efficacy of Divalproex sodium, a drug that is already FDA-approved for the treatment
of epilepsy or manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. This mood stabilizer may help in reducing autistic symptoms, such
as impulsivity, aggression, and social and language deficits, in children/adolescents with autism.
The present study evaluated the use of divalproex in the treatment of repetitive, compulsive-like symptoms of autism spectrum
disorder. Thirteen individuals with ASD participated in an 8 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium vs.
placebo. There was a significant group difference on improvement in repetitive behaviors as measured by the Children's
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. This study provides preliminary support for the use of divalproex in treating repetitive
behaviors in ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the specificity and mechanism of action of these findings.
No Cure for Autism
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. As of now there is no one method alone used effectively in treating autism.
However, professionals and families have found that a combination of treatments may be effective in treating symptoms and
behaviors that make it hard for individuals with autism to function. These may include behavioral and pharmacological
interventions. While there are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct the underlying neurological problems that seem
to cause autism, parents and professionals have found that some drugs used for other disorders are sometimes effective in
treating some aspects of or behaviors associated with autism.
for pharmacological intervention. Risperdal should be used thoroughly and not as the
first form of treatment.
The National Autism Association, an advocacy group for families of autistic children,
has serious concerns about Risperdal. Many worry about the side effects of Risperdal,
which can include drowsiness, fatigue, constipation and weight gain. There also are rare
reactions, such as extreme weight gain, the seeping of a milk-like substance from
nipples in both girls and boys, and a neurological disorder causing involuntary
movements, which according to the drug manufacturer can sometimes be permanent.
The most common adverse reactions with Risperdal include unconsciousness, increase
in appetite, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, increase in saliva, constipation, dry
mouth, tremor, muscle stiffness, dizziness, involuntary movements, restlessness,
repetitive behavior, rapid heart beat, confusion, and increase in weight. Some people
may need regular blood sugar testing. Studies suggest an increased risk of elevated
blood sugar-related side effects, and sometimes potentially fatal, in patients treated with
this class of medications, including Risperdal. Risperdal may affect alertness and motor
first form of treatment.
The National Autism Association, an advocacy group for families of autistic children,
has serious concerns about Risperdal. Many worry about the side effects of Risperdal,
which can include drowsiness, fatigue, constipation and weight gain. There also are rare
reactions, such as extreme weight gain, the seeping of a milk-like substance from
nipples in both girls and boys, and a neurological disorder causing involuntary
movements, which according to the drug manufacturer can sometimes be permanent.
The most common adverse reactions with Risperdal include unconsciousness, increase
in appetite, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, increase in saliva, constipation, dry
mouth, tremor, muscle stiffness, dizziness, involuntary movements, restlessness,
repetitive behavior, rapid heart beat, confusion, and increase in weight. Some people
may need regular blood sugar testing. Studies suggest an increased risk of elevated
blood sugar-related side effects, and sometimes potentially fatal, in patients treated with
this class of medications, including Risperdal. Risperdal may affect alertness and motor
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| ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004 Bright Tots® Inc. - Educational Toys & Resource Guide to Child Development - All rights reserved. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Medication for Treating Autism |
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| Medication for Treating Autism |