The main differences and challenges of autism include social communication, social flexibility and imagination, social interaction and sensory differences. The promotion of self-coping strategies, in the first instance, is important to help manage these.
It can be difficult deciding whether or not to try medication in support of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Weighing up the benefits for people with autism against the possible risks is essential.
It can be difficult to know which medication will work for someone with autism because each person with ASC can be affected differently.
The basic difficulty is that medications prescribed to children with autism have often not been tested on children with autism. This is called ‘prescribing off-label’. This means prescribing a medication to treat a symptom or condition other than the one it was developed for and tested on.
Tests of medicines are often conducted with a study group made up of people with different conditions and also often tested on a different age group, usually adults.
Anxiety – certain antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – including fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline may be prescribed.
Depression – this may be treated with a medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), as above. Sleep problems – this may be treated with medication such as melatonin.
Risk behaviours – if the behaviour is severe or psychological treatments have not helped, behaviours such as aggression or self-harm may be treated with medication such as risperidone or aripiprazole.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) may be treated with a medication such as methylphenidate.
Seizures – may be treated with a type of medication called an anticonvulsant.
Psychosis – can be treated with a type of medication called an antipsychotic.
Medications can have significant side effects and are usually only prescribed by a doctor who specialises in the condition being treated.
Side effects can include:
Losing appetite and weight or even gaining weight.
Feeling irritable, shaking or feeling anxious.
Increased tiredness and/or problems sleeping.
Aggression
Monitoring for side effects is very important. As a parent, carer or support worker, ask questions and be sure that you are happy with the prescribed medication. Report any side-effects through The Yellow Card Scheme.
Medications can have significant side effects and are usually only prescribed by a doctor who specialises in the condition being treated.
Side effects can include:
Losing appetite and weight or even gaining weight.
Feeling irritable, shaking or feeling anxious.
Increased tiredness and/or problems sleeping.
Aggression
Yellow card scheme:
yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/the-yellow-card-scheme/
NHS Autism information:
nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
Ambitious about autism:
ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism
