Autism Medication Guide:

Treating Autism and Its Core

Symptoms
Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

While the first clinical account of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was published more than 75 years ago by
child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, the precise cause of autism is still not clear to scientists. Billions of dollars
have been spent on autism research over the years in an attempt to unravel the mystery that now affects
tens of millions of people worldwide and search for autism medication.

While scientists continue to search for answers, many individuals on the spectrum, both children and
adults, have found relief from troubling symptoms with the help of medications. Temple Grandin, a
renowned professor of animal science, inventor, and autism advocate speaks of her experience with
medication saying, “I would not be here now if I did not have anti-depressants.”

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

She does recognize that medication is not for everyone and states, “If you start using a medication in a
person with autism, you should see an obvious improvement in behavior in a short period of time. If you do
not see obvious improvement, they probably should not be taking the stuff. It is that simple.” Grandin is not a
medical doctor, but her personal experience with autism medication resonates with many individuals on
the spectrum and their families.

Associated medical concerns for autism

People with ASD are often diagnosed with co-occurring conditions. These conditions are separate issues
from ASD, but often present similarly making them hard to diagnose. If you suspect your child may be
struggling to manage an additional condition, it is vital to seek a diagnosis. Once the co-occurring condition
is identified, doctors, therapists, and your child’s school can begin offering services to help your child
manage symptoms.

Some of the most common co-occurring conditions people with autism experience are anxiety, depression,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, and gastrointestinal disease. A
combination of therapy and medicine is typically used to treat these conditions.

Can autism be treated with medication?

Specific symptoms that affect an individual’s ability to function optimally can sometimes be treated with
medication. The Interactive Autism Network and Kennedy Krieger Institute states “No medication is
currently approved to treat the core symptoms of autism. However, a number of medications are prescribed
to treat other conditions and symptoms often found in children and adults with autism, such as attention-
deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, self-injury, aggression, and seizure disorders.” (“Medications,”
2016).

Medications used to treat symptoms of autism are sometimes used “off-label” meaning that the
medications were not originally developed to be used to treat symptoms of autism, but enough tests and
research make them an appropriate option to try. Other medications are developed to treat symptoms that
might co-occur with a variety of disorders such as anxiety or mood fluctuations.

What are the treatments for autism?

Some of the most common types of medications offered to children with autism are antipsychotic drugs,
stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety drugs, and gastrointestinal
agents.

Antipsychotic autism medication

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Antipsychotic autism medications are typically used to treat the symptoms of psychosis including
delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. These symptoms are often present in conditions such as bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia. Two antipsychotic medications called Risperdal (risperidone), and Abilify
(aripiprazole), have both been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children with
autism. Antipsychotics work by, “blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine receptors are
involved in movement, cognition, and mood. Risperidone may also affect other chemical pathways in the
brain such as serotonin (also related to behavior and mood) which is known to be abnormal in some
individuals with ASD.” (“Medications,” 2016).

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says that “ The
antipsychotic drug risperidone is approved for reducing irritability in 5-to-16-year-olds with autism. These
medications can decrease hyperactivity, reduce stereotyped behaviors, and minimize withdrawal and
aggression among people with autism.” (“Medication Treatment for Autism,” 2017)

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Stimulant autism medication

Stimulants are a class of medication most frequently given to children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). The most commonly prescribed stimulant for children with ASD, and most well-studied, is
Ritalin (methylphenidate). Other stimulants that may be prescribed include Adderall, Concerta, Metadate
CD, or Dexedrine. Stimulants are an option for some children with ASD because of the similar symptoms to
ADHD including hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and inattention.

The Interactive Autism Network says, “How central nervous system stimulants work is not completely
understood, but the medication is thought to target the brainstem arousal system and the cortex.”
(“Medications,” 2016). The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center also notes that “they are particularly helpful for
those with mild ASD symptoms.” (“Medication Treatment for Autism,” 2017)

Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and

Antidepressant autism medication
“Major depression is one of the more serious conditions common in people with autism, one that may be
misunderstood or even missed. While sleep and behavioral problems rarely go unnoticed, depression may
hide from view.” (Sarris, 2018). Depression in children with ASD is often not diagnosed until a child acts on
urges to self-injure, shows aggressive behaviors, or attempts to die by suicide. Doctors at Sheppard Pratt
Hospital in Maryland are seeking to find a link between ASD and depression and increase screening for
depression in children on the spectrum. They encourage doctors and parents to learn the symptoms of
depression in children with autism and try antidepressant medications when appropriate.

According to the International OCD Foundation, “Many behaviors associated with OCD [obsessive-
compulsive disorder] such as anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and social problems are also typical of ASD.
While the appearance of ASD and OCD may be similar on the surface, the processes that drive these
behaviors are quite different, and each requires a different kind of treatment…It is important to determine
which behaviors arise from a patient’s OCD and which arise from ASD. This has proven to be one of the
major challenges in treating patients with both disorders. Other difficulties in treating patients with OCD
comorbid with ASD are lack of insight, general inability to emotionally and socially connect, angry
outbursts, frequent, extreme and unpredictable changes in mood, and impulsivity.” (Gorbis & Dooley).

The most commonly used types of antidepressants in autism are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These medications were originally developed for people with
depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Interactive Autism
Network says that “Most antidepressants work by changing the levels of specific chemicals in the brain
called neurotransmitters.” (“Medications,” 2016).

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

The most commonly prescribed antidepressants for ASD are Prozac, Luvox, and Celexa, but there are more
than a dozen approved for use in people with ASD. SSRIs are thought to, “reduce the frequency and
intensity of repetitive behaviors; decrease anxiety, irritability, tantrums, and aggressive behavior; and
improve eye contact,” while TCAs achieve similar results they are more effective for some people and
sometimes cause fewer side effects. (“Medication Treatment for Autism,” 2017)

Mood stabilizing autism medication

Like antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers also treat features of bipolar disorder and ASD including,
“aggression, self-injury, impulsivity and conduct disorder.” (“Medications,” 2016). Mood stabilizers require
more research to understand how they help children with autism, and much of the current evidence is
anecdotal. Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to
explore with your child’s pediatrician.

Autism medication for anxiety, epilepsy, anticonvulsants, and

gastrointestinal autism medication
Anticonvulsant medications are often used in the estimated 33 percent of children with autism who have a
co-occurring seizure disorder. Gastrointestinal medications are used to treat symptoms such as acid reflux,
constipation, and diarrhea that are common in children with ASD. The relationship between ASD and
seizures and gastrointestinal distress is still unclear, but it can be helpful to recognize their relationship to
ASD when observing your child’s behavior and managing wellbeing.

Xanax, Niravam, Buspar, Ativan, Vivitrol, Valium, melatonin, and antihistamines are commonly used to
manage seizure disorders in children with ASD. (“Medications,” 2016). Many of these medications also offer
anti-anxiety benefits and may help your child sleep. Gastrointestinal autism medications, like all
medications, are best matched to your child with the help of a pediatric specialist.

Autism and medication side effects

Medications are not one size fits all. A medication that works wonders for a child with comparable
symptoms may create more issues or be entirely ineffective for another. When you choose to try a
medication, it is important to be informed on common side effects linked to that medication as well as to
take note of any unusual behavior or signs of distress your child may be showing. This is particularly
important if your child is nonverbal or has limited ability to communicate.

Signs of distress might include but are not limited to abnormal sleeping patterns, constipation or diarrhea,
rash or hives, allergic reaction including anaphylaxis, lethargy or fatigue, or an increase in the symptom you
are trying to treat. According to the Interactive Autism Network, antipsychotics are the most commonly
used psychiatric drug for children with autism. “The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
weighed the scientific evidence on those medications. It found significant benefits and also “harms,” or bad
side effects. The drugs reduce challenging and repetitive behaviors when compared to no treatment. They
also are associated with significant weight gain, sedation, tremors, and movement disorders, it noted.”
(Sarris, 2016).

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests closely monitoring your child’s
weight if he/she is taking antipsychotic medication and doing routine blood work to check for high
cholesterol or signs of diabetes or prediabetes. Ultimately, very few medications come with no side effects,
but if the medication is a good fit, the intensity of side effects may taper off after the first few weeks.
Maintaining an open line of clear communication with your child’s pediatrician will be imperative to make
sure your child is receiving more benefit than risk from a given medication.

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Finding the right autism medication

It is critical to work with not only your child’s pediatrician but any specialists on your child’s team to
determine which medication(s) are the best fit for your child. Be sure you ask the prescribing doctor for a
comprehensive list of possible side effects to look out for as well as identifying and possible interactions
between medications your child is taking. You will need to give your child his/her medication on a schedule
to avoid over-medicating or under-medicating your child. Also, be aware of the appropriate time frame and
dosage to wean your child on and off of a medication.

Your child’s pediatrician should have a doctor on-call after hours to answer any questions you have. Once
you have found a medication that you and your child’s pediatrician agree is a good choice, try not to get
discouraged if the first dosage, or even the first prescription, is not the right fit for your child. Finding a
medication that works well with your child’s unique body and brain chemistry can take time.

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

If you are comfortable with your child trying a new medication, you can ask your child’s pediatrician if
he/she is eligible for a medication trial. Researchers at the University of Buffalo are studying the potential
use of a cancer drug on people with ASD. The researchers think that the medication called romidepsin
(currently used to treat lymphoma) could help treat children with autism who struggle with social skills. The
medication is not yet being tested on humans but professor Dr. Zhen Yan is hopeful that the medication will
be available soon and with minimal side effects.

Medical marijuana for autism

If you live in a part of the world where medical marijuana is legalized, you may want to explore it as an
option to treat symptoms of your child’s autism. In the United States, a limited number of children have
access to medical marijuana with even fewer living in areas where autism is considered a qualifying
condition to use the plant medicinally. Autism Parenting Magazine previously published an  article  on
medical marijuana for autism that referred to MAMMA, “Mothers Advocating Medical Marijuana for Autism.
MAMMA is a parent advocacy group with chapters in seven US states (Arizona, Georgia, New York,
Pennsylvania, Texas, Iowa, and Illinois).

MAMMA’s goal is to give all children with autism legal access to medical marijuana under the care of a
physician.” (Hobbs, 2018) If you would like to advocate for medical marijuana’s legalization in your area,
MAMMA offers resources on its website. The Shaare Sedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia are studying the effects of medical marijuana on children with autism in hopes of
making it available to any family who would like to try it.

Bene ts of medical marijuana for autism

According to MAMMA, children who used medical marijuana have found relief from symptoms including
seizures, self-injurious behaviors, mood dysregulation, poor sleeping patterns, and anxiety. Families of
MAMMA often say that medical marijuana alleviates as many symptoms as antipsychotics and other
pharmaceuticals with reduced side effects. Parents who are hesitant to try pharmaceuticals or who have a
child who does not tolerate medications well with may be interested in trying a more natural option such as
medical marijuana.

Can medical marijuana cure autism?

Just as pharmaceuticals cannot cure autism, neither can medical marijuana. Children, especially girls, with
Asperger’s syndrome or high functioning autism who show minimal symptoms on an everyday basis might
appear to function “normally” with the help of medical marijuana or other pharmaceuticals, but this
statement is currently purely anecdotal. Studies on the effects of medical marijuana on autism are in the
beginning phases, but researchers hope to find a strain and dosage of the plant that gives children with
autism the most relief from the symptoms possible.

What are other treatments for autism?

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Beyond pharmaceuticals and medical marijuana, there is a wide variety of treatments available that might
help your child. Your child might work with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, art
therapist, music therapist, or participate in hippotherapy or recreational therapy. If you are unsure where to
begin or what type of treatments and therapies are best for your child, consult his/her pediatrician.
Together you can assess your child’s strengths and challenges as well as likes and dislikes to build a
program.

Your child’s pediatrician should have a list of providers he/she recommends as well as ones that accept
your insurance. Some programs offer grants and scholarships to families whose insurance does not cover
their services. Additionally, you can seek community groups for your child to join as well as support groups
for parents and caregivers of children with autism.

Applied Behavioral Analysis

If you have never tried Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), it can be a valuable therapy to use in conjunction
with autism medication. It is time-tested and can be used with children at all places on the spectrum. ABA
focuses on the whole child and seeks to improve social skills, communication, education, learning, self-
care, motor skills, and familial relationships. It is practiced with a therapist, but families must commit to
continuing the program at home between sessions.

ABA is usually practiced upwards of 20 hours a week and meetings can take place in a therapist’s office, at
school, at home, or with other members of your child’s team. The more people who are on board with the
therapy, the better.

Consistency is key
Neurotypical children and their peers with autism thrive on routine and rhythm. Whether you decide to try
pharmaceutical, medical marijuana, ABA, or a combination of the three, it is critical to maintain a routine for
your child. Medications need to be taken consistently for a child to receive full benefits, and as mentioned
above, ABA requires a time commitment not only from your child’s therapist but as many people in his/her
life as possible. If you are having trouble finding a treatment that works for your child, or suspect he/she is
experiencing adverse effects from medication, reach out to a pediatrician for advice. In the event of an
extreme reaction, contact emergency services immediately.

Autism Parenting Magazine tries to deliver honest, unbiased reviews, resources, and advice, but please
note that due to the variety of capabilities of people on the spectrum, information cannot be guaranteed by
the magazine or its writers. Medical content, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other
material contained within is never intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the  advice  of a physician with any questions you may have regarding
a  medical  condition and never disregard professional  medical advice  or delay in seeking it because of
something you have read within.

Resources:

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Broyd, N. (2011, January 06). BMJ Declares Vaccine-Autism Study ‘an Elaborate Fraud.’ Retrieved October
2018, from https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20110106/bmj-declares-vaccine-autism-study-
fraud#1

Gorbis, E., & Dooley, L., B.A. (n.d.). Treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder comorbid with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved October 2018, from https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/treatments-for-
obsessive-compulsive-disorder-comorbid-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/

Grandin, T. (2015). The Way I See It – A Personal Look at Autism and Aspergers. Future Horizons
Incorporated.

Hobbs, K. G. (2018, June 21). Benefits of Medical Marijuana and Autism to Be Studied. Retrieved October
2018, from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/benefits-medical-marijuana-autism-studied/

Medications. (2016, December 13). Retrieved October 2018, from

https://iancommunity.org/cs/what_do_we_know/medication

Published by the Interactive Autism Network

Medication Treatment for Autism. (2017, January 31). Retrieved October 2018, from
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments/medication-treatment

Current Owner: Office of Communications at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development

Sarris, M. (2018, March 14). Diagnosing Depression in Autism. Retrieved October 2018, from
https://iancommunity.org/diagnosing-depression-autism

Sarris, M. (2016, December 13). Antipsychotics and Autism: Weighing the Benefits, Eyeing the Risks.
Retrieved October   2018, from https://iancommunity.org/ssc/antipsychotics-and-autism-weighing-
benefits-eyeing-risks

Katherine G. Hobbs is a freelance journalist and university student studying English, with an emphasis on
journalism, and psychology. She is interested in the impact of having a special needs child  on the family
dynamic. Katherine is dedicated to bringing awareness of resources to families and providing help to those
who love their autistic children. You can find her online at katherineghobbs.com.

Autism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms