Pharmaceutical
Although the majority of individuals with ASD are on some sort of medication,
medications should play a minor role in the treatment of these individuals (Francis,
2005). While medications help to reduce symptoms they do not teach new behaviors, thus
they should be used in conjunction of other therapeutic approaches. Symptoms typically
treated with medications are: hyperactivity, inattention, restlessness, hypersensitivity to
noise, light, and other sensory input, seizure disorders, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and
gastro-intestinal difficulties. See Appendix B for overview of the most popular
medications used today.
Appendix B: Medication Use in ASDs.
Type of
Example
Proposed Use
Medication
Risk Factors/
Efficacy
Side-effects
Alpha-2
Adrenergic
Agent
Clonidine
Hyperactivity
Oppositional
behavior,
decreased
repetitive
behavior
Aggression, selfinjurious
behavior,
irritability
Typical
Antipsychotics
Dopamine
Atypical
antipsychotics
Haldol, Risperdal Aggression, SIB,
mood instability
Selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors
SSRI’s
Fluoxetine
Anxiety,
depression,
OCD, and
aggression
Sleepiness, sleep
disturbance,
constipation
Reduced
impulsivity &
tics, better
attention
Sedation, weight
gain, acute
dystonic
reactions
(involuntary
twitching)
Reduced side
effects than
typical
antipsychotics:
weight gain,
increased
appetite, &
drowsiness
Agitation,
insomnia,
decreased
appetite, may
Good results in
the reduction of
SIB, aggression,
and withdrawal
symptoms in
young children
Reduction of
aggressive traits
Increased social
interaction, mood
and ritualistic
behavior
Beta blockers
Propranolol
Stimulants
methylphenidate
Mood Stabilizers
anticonvulsants
Secretin
hormone
Reduce
aggression
Hyperactivity,
impulsivity, and
inattention
Uneven mood
responses
Increased
language skills
trigger other
behavioral
problems
Unknown
unknown
unknown
stabilizer
Unknown
Not consistent
findings; in some
children an
increase in
symptoms noted
Not consistent
More research
needed.
(Erickson, Posey, Stigler, & McDougle, 2007; Francis, 2005; Oswald & Sonenklar, 2007;
Volker & Lopata, 2008)