Prescription Medication and Autism

The decision to try prescription medications to help with some of autism’s co-morbid conditions can be difficult for some families.

Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder often have one or more co-morbid conditions. A few of the more common examples are ADHD, anxiety and sensory processing disorder. In some cases, prescription medication can improve the quality of life of the individual with autism. However, making the decision to try medication, especially when a child is concerned, can be difficult for some families.

This is a battle that I have faced in my family. I tend to look at health from a natural standpoint. I like to try homeopathic or natural remedies to problems. After several years of dietary intervention to help address some of my son’s concerns, my husband and I made the difficult decision to try a prescription medication to address his hyperactive and impulsive issues. He has ADHD in addition to Asperger’s Syndrome and according to his doctor, his ADHD symptoms are in the severe range.

Imagine my surprise when the medication made an instant difference in my son’s life. My son, the boy who could not sit through a meal, suddenly had the ability to sit down and eat a family dinner. Sure he’s young and he’d want to get up as soon as he was finished but he actually ate. Prior to that he’d take a bite, bound around the house, forget that he was eating dinner, get hyper-focused on another activity and have a meltdown when I’d ask him to come back to finish dinner.

There is no medication specifically for autism and the spectrum of conditions that fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders. There are, however, medications that can help address other concerns that come along with an autism spectrum diagnosis. The decision to medicate should not be taken lightly and done only after research and adequate discussion with a medical professional.