How To Explain Medication For Autism And ADHD To Your Boss
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism use psychotropic drugs. Some of these medications can help ease the irritability and severe disruptive behavior that can occur with ADHD.
Treatments for ADHD can significantly improve autism's primary symptoms and decrease the severity of impulsivity, inattention, as well as hyperactivity. They also can reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury, licking and picking or licking, trichotillomania, as well as obsessive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult situation for parents and children. However, medication is not always the best solution. While medications can help manage certain conditions that are often associated with autism and can improve overall functioning however they will not cure or make your child "normal."
Stimulants are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Children with autism are typically diagnosed with ADHD. Research has proven that stimulants can improve the primary symptoms of ADHD in children, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Methylphenidate, or Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that aids in controlling mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. medication for add in adults call them chemical straitjackets, making it easier for schools and parents to handle difficult behavior. Some claim that the drugs don't address the root causes that cause autistic children so much stress, including social difficulties anxiety, as well as restricted, repetitive behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantswhich include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine -- are effective in reducing the primary ADHD symptoms that can cause problems with school, work, and family life. These medications also seem to decrease irritability in these kids.
The same study found that atypical antipsychotics, like aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify) may help with irritability among kids with autism and ADHD. But this finding is still in the early stages. Further research is required to confirm these findings and determine if these drugs help with other forms of irritability, like aggression or injury.
Another issue is that studies currently conducted don't consider long-term use or other crucial factors, such as the potential for addiction. Some studies aren't as extensive or use different methods as compared to others, making it difficult to compare outcomes. If your child has both ADHD and autism it is important to talk with your doctor about the most appropriate medication for him or her.
Medication is an instrument that is helpful in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families with children who suffer from autism and ADHD However, it is not an alternative to 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 efficient for your child. Your child may benefit from medication to improve his or her focus, be more productive at home and in school and fully participate in the treatments designed to combat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest gains possible.