Why We Do We Love Medication For Autism And ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Why We Do We Love Medication For Autism And ADHD (And You Should Also!)
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Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults who have autism take psychotropic medication. Certain of these medications can help to reduce the irritability or severe disruptive behaviors that are often associated with ADHD.
Treatments for ADHD can dramatically improve autism's primary symptoms and reduce inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce problem behaviors like aggression and self-injury, picking and licking, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult and challenging condition for parents and children. However medications aren't always the answer. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that can be associated with autism and can help improve general functioning, but they won't cure your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for kids with autism to have ADHD, and studies show that stimulants can help improve the core ADHD symptoms in these children, including hyperactivity as well as inattention and impulsivity. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, is the most well-known stimulant. It improves the dopamine activity in the brain. This neurotransmitter is used to regulate mood, behavior, as well as reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. They are described by critics as chemical straitjackets that help schools and parents to manage difficult behaviors. Some argue that the drugs do not address the underlying problems that cause autistic kids so much stress. These include social interactions issues, anxiety and repetitive, recurrent behavior that is restricted.
If your child is suffering from autism and ADHD, a study that was published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants- including methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- work in reducing the main ADHD symptoms that may interfere with work, school, and family life. The medications also are believed to reduce the irritability of these children.
The same study also found that atypical antipsychotics, like aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify), may help with irritability in some kids with autism and ADHD. However, this research is in the early stages. Further research is required to confirm the findings and determine if these medications can help other types of irritability which can be associated with autism, like self-injury or aggression.
Another issue is that current studies don't focus on the long-term effects of using drugs or other aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. Certain studies are insignificant or use different methods from others. This makes it difficult to compare the results. If your child has both ADHD and autism You should consult your doctor about the most appropriate medication for him or her.
Medication is a tool that can be helpful in managing symptoms and improving the quality of most effective adhd medication for adults life in families affected by autism or ADHD however, it is not substitute for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the most effective medication to use and the dosage that is most effective for your child. Your child will benefit from medication to help him or her focus and be more productive at home and at school and fully engage in the treatments designed to treat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest progress possible.