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Frequently, children on the autism spectrum are prescribed medications to help control agitation, anxiety, irritability, restlessness and other behaviors that can lead to serious tantrums or even violent behavior. These are some of the things that autistic individuals and families with autistic kids struggle with all the time and often the right medication can provide some relief, both for the child on the spectrum, care givers, parents and siblings.

Most of the medications that are offered for these behavioral issues are anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressants or anti-psychotics. All of them carry potential benefits including relief from anxiety and agitation, reduced irritability and a reduction in violent behaviors brought on by heightened anxiety, agitation and irritability. They also carry possible negative side effects, including some side effects that are direct opposites, such as weight gain and weight loss.

When speaking with your care provider, you may hear the term 'stimulant' used to describe some of these drugs. Stimulant drugs generally have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, just like that morning coffee or tea that most of us need. However, many stimulant drugs when prescribed at lower doses for spectrum disorders, have been proven to usually have a calming effect as they relate to agitation, anxiety, irritability and inability to hold still or focus. Every child is different however, and different drugs may have very different effects on a particular child.

A common side effect of many of the  anti-psychotic medications is a slow-down in metabolic rate that can lead to weight gain, for instance, however some children experience the opposite. When any new medication is prescribed a trial at the very lowest dose possible should always be undertaken first and prescribing care providers should always be notified of any medications your child is already taking to avoid drug interactions.

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• Researchers admit that 70% of anti-psychotics are prescribed off-label - Santa Cruz Parenting Examiner
• Joint_statement on_atypical_antipsychotic_use_in children - National Health Examiner
• New insights into the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs - National Business & Finance Examiner
• Alarming weight gain seen in kids on psych drugs - National Health Examiner
• Should powerful antipsychotic drugs be approved for children? - Atlanta Children's Health Examiner
• Treating autism with marijuana: one woman's story - Seattle Special Needs Examiner