Some have called it a ‘chemical straight jacket,’ while others have called it a ‘life jacket,’ however you feel about medication treatments for children with autism, everyone has strong feelings about it. It’s estimated between 30% to 60% of children on the spectrum are prescribed psychotropic medications to manage a variety of behaviors associated with it.
Whatever your position on the debate about medication treatments for autism, at Heartlinks, we work with parents and caregivers with varying feelings. Some are passionate medication advocates, while others prefer to explore every therapeutic option before considering it. Our philosophy? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each child and situation is unique and needs to be evaluated and handled accordingly.
So, before you make your decision regarding medication for your child on the spectrum, read on to learn more about the pharmacological options available to you and make an informed choice that works for your family.
Can Autism be Treated with Medication?
There isn’t a cure for autism spectrum disorder, nor do medical professionals fully understand its causes. As such, there’s currently no single medication to treat it. Instead, the medical community has discovered that certain medicines for treating autism spectrum disorder can help manage related symptoms of autism. They’re often recommended when a child on the spectrum has tremendous behavioral, emotional, or learning challenges that interfere with their health and well-being and their ability to function in daily life.
But asking for that medication is pointless if you don’t get an accurate diagnosis because many symptoms of ASD can overlap with other conditions like generalized anxiety or ADHD, leading to potential misdiagnoses.
It’s equally important to note that these medications should be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as behavioral interventions. These medicines for autistic children can have side effects, so it’s important to consult with your child’s medical provider before administering any medication.
What Medications Are Available?
Medications can be used to target a wide range of symptoms in children and teens with ASD. Below is a summary of some of the autism symptoms and what pharmacological therapies for autism spectrum disorder are available.
Irritability, Aggression, and Tantrums
Irritability, aggression, and tantrums are the most common reasons that people seek medication for children or teens on the spectrum. These behaviors can range from mild frustration to severe aggression requiring hospitalization.
Early intervention is critical to prevent escalation, and your child’s medical team should first evaluate the potential underlying causes of this behavior. If these factors cannot explain the symptoms, medications may be considered.
The only two medications prescribed by the FDA to treat autism symptoms are the antipsychotics risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify). Both have been shown to reduce tantrums and aggression effectively. But, their side effects include drowsiness, weight, and movement disorders.
Other medications, such as haloperidol (Haldol), clonidine, or guanfacine, are prescribed, but evidence of their use is limited. A successful treatment plan must weigh the benefits and risks to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
Environmental adjustments such as establishing a schedule, using social stories, and treating anxiety can help reduce ADHD-like symptoms.
If behavioral techniques aren’t enough, medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts (Adderall), atomoxetine (Strattera), and guanfacine (Intuniv) may be effective. However, side effects can arise, including appetite suppression, drowsiness, or irritability.
Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD, and they’re equally as common in children with autism spectrum disorder. While reduced social attention is typical in autism, difficulties focusing on tasks or excessive movement may indicate co-occurring ADHD or other factors such as anxiety, communication challenges, or lack of regular structure.
Behavior That Injures The Self
Otherwise known as self-injurious behavior (SIB), it affects approximately 11% of children with ASD. This can range from mild behaviors, such as scratching, to more severe acts, such as head-banging, which can cause significant injury. Though suicidal self-harm is not common in children on the spectrum, it may be present in higher-functioning autistic children or teens. The most effective treatment for SIB is applied behavioral analysis therapy, which is unmatched in identifying triggers, such as sensory input, and addressing them using functional communication strategies. Medication, such as the previously mentioned antipsychotics risperidone and aripiprazole, may help.
Repetitive Behaviors
One of the primary symptoms of autism in infants and toddlers is repetitive behaviors. Stimulating (self-stimulatory behaviors) can include hand flapping, repeating phrases, or sensory-seeking activities, such as touching certain textures or spinning. When these patterns are disrupted or stopped altogether, they can cause a child on the spectrum anxiety or aggression.
Treating repetitive behaviors includes medications like SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics, but studies show a limited benefit in children with ASD. However, additional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia, may also require attention, though evidence for medication effectiveness in these areas is insignificant.
What Are The Alternatives to Medication?
Research indicates that medication is most effective when combined with behavioral therapies, including some of the following.
ABA therapy
Applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, is considered the best therapy for autism. It is often used in classrooms, at home, or in a clinic to help children learn positive behaviors and reduce negative ones. ABA, when used for autism spectrum disorder, is a versatile approach that can teach and improve a wide range of skills. There are different types of unique situations, including the following:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): using simple lessons and positive reinforcement.
- Errorless Learning: an ABA teaching method that minimizes the chance of errors by providing immediate prompts and gradually fading them.
- Shaping: slowly teach a new behavior by reinforcing incremental steps of the desired one.
- Prompt Hierarchy: providing cues or assistance to encourage correct responses.
- Naturalistic Teaching: instructing the learner in their natural environment instead of a structured setting.
- Modeling: demonstrating a desired behavior to encourage the autistic child to copy it.
- Error Correction: helps autistic children understand the correct response by providing immediate support and reinforcement.
- Tacting: when the child can name or label something in their environment in response without a cue.
- Discriminative Stimulus: a unique cue or signal in the environment that indicates the availability of reinforcement for a particular behavior.
- Token Economy: using tokens or points as rewards for positive or desirable behavior.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children and teens on the spectrum learn life skills such as dressing, bathing, and feeding themselves. The goal of occupational therapy is to help young people on the spectrum live as independently as possible.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language therapy tackles communication and language barriers. It can help people with autism improve their social, verbal, and nonverbal communication. While speech is the preferred communication method, some autistic children benefit from alternative methods, such as a Picture Exchange Communication System or speech-generating devices. These tools support children with limited or no verbal ability. Either way, speech therapy aims to help the child or teen communicate more effectively and functionally.
Making an Informed Decision with Heartlinks
Heartlinks understands that decisions about therapies and medicines for autistic children are very personal. The best medication for your child with autism is what suits them and the rest of your family.
Combining medication with our range of services, including proven behavioral therapies, such as ABA, can create a customized approach to helping your child flourish. So whether you’re researching medication for the first time or searching for alternative interventions, we’re here to support you.
Contact Heartlinks today to learn more or schedule a consultation.