adhd without medication For Autism and ADHD
Many children and adults who have autism take psychotropic medication. Some of these medications aid in reducing the irritability and severe disruptive behaviours that sometimes occur with ADHD.
The drugs for ADHD can improve core symptoms of Autism, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors such as aggression and self-injury, licking and picking as well as trichotillomania and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a difficult condition for both parents and children. However, medication is not always the answer. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that often occur alongside autism and can help improve general functioning but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. Children with autism are often diagnosed with ADHD. Research has proven that stimulants can aid in reducing the core symptoms of ADHD in these children, such as inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin is the most well-known stimulant. It improves the dopamine activity in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter which aids in controlling mood, behavior and reward systems.
Parents are often concerned about the impact of psychotropic drugs on their children. Some critics describe them as chemical straitjackets which allow schools and parents to handle difficult behaviors. And some people say that the medications don't address the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so many problems, including social difficulties anxiety, as well as limited, repetitive behaviors.
A study published in Pediatrics discovered that stimulants, including methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, are effective for decreasing the primary ADHD symptom that can interfere with school, family, and work life. The medications also seem to decrease irritability in these children.
The same study also found that atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify) may aid in reducing irritability in children with autism and ADHD. However, this research is preliminary. More research is needed to confirm the findings and determine whether these drugs could help with other forms of irritability that are common to autism, such as self-injury or aggression.
Another issue is that current studies don't examine the long-term effects of using drugs or other aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. Some studies are small or use different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare the results. If your child suffers from both ADHD and autism, you should talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment for your child.
Medication can be an effective tool to manage symptoms and improving quality of life for families affected by ADHD and autism, but it shouldn't be used to substitute therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the best medication to use and the dosage that is most efficient for your child. Your child can benefit from medication that helps him or her concentrate and be more productive at school and home and fully participate in the therapies meant to help treat autism. Your child will be capable of making the most significant advancements possible.