My ASD Child

“What medications are used to treat the symptoms of high functioning autism? Which ones have the best track record? And, what are the side effects of these medications?” There are several medications used to treat the symptoms associated with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger’s (AS). Medications may be considered for problematic behaviors in these children and teens, for example: aggression anxiety compulsions depression destructive behavior, or other disruptive behaviors hyperactivity inattention irritability mood lability obsessions perseveration repetitive behaviors self-injurious behavior sleep disturbance stereotypic movements After medical causes and environmental factors have been ruled out, a trial of medication may be considered if the behavioral symptoms cause significant impairment in functioning and are responsive to behavioral interventions. In some cases, the diagnosis of a comorbid disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, a

Below is a list of resources for professionals who work with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum: 1.    Afzal N, Murch S, Thirrupathy K, Berger L, Fagbemi A, Heuschkel R. Constipation with acquired megarectum in children with autism.Pediatrics.2003;112 :939– 942 2.    Aman MG, Lam KS, Collier-Crespin A. Prevalence and patterns of use of psychoactive medicines among individuals with autism in the Autism Society of Ohio. J Autism Dev Disord.2003;33 :527– 534 3.    Aman MG, Novotny S, Samango-Sprouse C, et al. Outcome measures for clinical drug trials in autism. CNS Spectr.2004;9 :36– 47 4.    Aman MG. Management of hyperactivity and other acting-out problems in autism spectrum disorder. Semin Pediatr Neurol.2004;11 :225– 228 5.    American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Children With Disabilities. Auditory integration training and facilitated communication for autism. Pediatrics.1998;102 :431– 433 6.    American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Children With Disab