Medication
There are no medications that can cure ASDs or even treat the main symptoms, but there are medications that can help some people with related symptoms. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, depression, or seizures.
Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of risperidone and aripiprazole (antipsychotic drugs) to treat at certain ages children with ASDs who have severe tantrums, aggression, and cause self-injury. To learn more about medications and ASDs go to National Institute of Mental Health autism website. Always speak with your child's doctor about implementing any medications.
Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of risperidone and aripiprazole (antipsychotic drugs) to treat at certain ages children with ASDs who have severe tantrums, aggression, and cause self-injury. To learn more about medications and ASDs go to National Institute of Mental Health autism website. Always speak with your child's doctor about implementing any medications.
Comlimentary and alternative medicines (CAM)
To relieve the symptoms of ASDs, some parents and health care professionals use treatments that are outside of what is typically recommended by the pediatrician. These types of treatments are known as complementary and alternative treatments (CAM). They might include special diets, chelation (a treatment to remove heavy metals like lead from the body), biologicals (e.g., secretin), or body-based systems (like deep pressure). These types of treatments are very controversial and some are potentially dangerous. Before starting such a treatment, check it out carefully, and talk to your child's doctor. To learn more about CAM therapies, go to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Get the Facts webpage.
