![]() This leveling effect reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity and increases focus.Īlpha agonists are a medication class that directly affects the sympathetic nervous system. ![]() In a neurodivergent brain, such as that of people with autism and ADHD, stimulants can have a leveling effect. One common type of stimulant is caffeine, which many people consume in coffee, chocolate, and other sources. Stimulants are a class of medication that can increase energy and alertness. If your child needs extra support in these areas, you may consider adding medication to your child’s care. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are core characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medication for inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity However, several medications are commonly prescribed to children with autism, depending on the support the child needs: Not all autistic children need medication. What medications are beneficial for autistic children? These decisions are best made with your child’s pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other medical professionals. Often, medication is used in conjunction with other therapies, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy (OT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ![]() Typically, children do not take medication in isolation without other support. In that case, they may benefit from medication or supplements to improve their sleep. Some start showing aggression at home or school due to a lack of quality sleep. Many autistic kids, for example, struggle to fall and stay asleep at night. Medications may be recommended if medical or mental health needs interfere with your child’s quality of life. When does an autistic child need medication? If your provider does not address your concerns, continue advocating for your child, or find a more neurodiversity-affirming provider. If you are uncomfortable with this language, you can communicate these concerns to your child’s provider. For example, “comorbid symptoms” of autism could be difficulty focusing (inattention) or sleep disturbance. Note: Medical professionals may use the term “comorbid symptoms” or “comorbid conditions.” These terms refer to conditions that co-occur with autism. For example, families may use medications to support their child’s irritability, hyperactivity, sleep difficulty, and other disabilities. With the challenges that these co-occurring diagnoses present, many families consider including medications as one part of their child’s care. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ![]() Studies show up to 95% of children with autism have one or more other medical or psychiatric diagnoses, such as ADHD and epilepsy.¹Ĭommon diagnoses that co-occur with autism include: Some autistic children, however, may benefit from medication to support general health concerns such as sleep challenges and other neurodevelopmental differences. There are no medications specifically created for autism. We also collaborated with parents, therapists, and community members on research for this guide so that you can feel more prepared and at ease when exploring medications as an option for your child. Goh from Cortica (read more about the process and why we decided to work with Dr. Finding the best expert to review this controversial topic took some time and we are grateful to have found Dr. Families have been asking us for a medication guide since we started Beaming Health. Autism medication is an important topic for autism families.
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