Medications for Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism
“Are there any medications used to treat the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism?” No medications directly treat the core symptoms of Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism. Although research into the effectiveness of pharmaceutical intervention for Asperger’s is limited, it is essential to diagnose and treat “comorbid” (i.e., related) conditions. Deficits in self-identifying emotions or in observing effects of one's behavior on others can make it difficult for kids with Asperger’s to see why medication may be appropriate. Medication can be effective in combination with behavioral interventions and environmental accommodations in treating comorbid symptoms (e.g., anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, inattention, aggression, etc.). Risperidone and olanzapine have been shown to reduce the associated symptoms of Asperger’s. Risperidone can reduce repetitive and self-injurious behaviors, aggressive outbursts and impulsivity, and improve stereotyp