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To view their policy about reproduction of their content please click HERE. To visit the Autism Society of America please click HERE. Autism is a spectrum disorder with a variety of options for treatment for individuals across the lifespan. Professionals and families have found that a combination of approaches may be effective in treating symptoms and behaviors that make it hard for individuals with autism to function. These treatment options may include psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. While there are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct underlying neurological problems associated with autism, parents and professionals have found that some drugs used for other disorders are sometimes effective in treating some aspects of behaviors associated with autism. Changes to diet and the addition of certain vitamins or minerals may also help with behavioral issues. For more then a decade, there have been claims by parents and some professionals that adding essential vitamins such as B6 and B12 and removing gluten and casein from a child's diet may improve digestion, allergies and sociability. Not all researchers and experts agree about whether these therapies are effective or scientifically valid. There are a number of medications, developed for other conditions, which have been found effective in treating some of the symptoms and behaviors frequently found in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some of these behaviors include: hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention difficulties, and anxiety. The goal of medications is to reduce these behaviors to allow the individual with ASD to take advantage of educational and behavioral treatments. When medication is being discussed or prescribed, it's important to:
Given the complexity of medications, drug interactions, and the unpredictability of how each patient may react to a particular drug, parents should seek out and work with a medical doctor with an expertise in the area of medication management and experience with individuals with ASD. The Autism Society of America (ASA) does not endorse any specific medication or type of treatment approach. ASA recommends that all options available are investigated to determine the approach that is most appropriate. People on the spectrum, parents and professionals must be empowered to critically examine the wide variety of options available to determine associated threats and opportunities and, therefore, make informed decisions. The information provided here is meant as an overview of the types of medications sometimes prescribed. Be sure to consult a medical professional for more information. There are a number of medications that are frequently used for individuals with autism to address certain behaviors or symptoms. Some have studies to support their use, while others do not. Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors have been effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety that present in some individuals with ASD. Researchers who have consistently found elevated levels of serotonin in the bloodstream of one-third of individuals with autism feel that these drugs could potentially reverse some of the symptoms of serotonin dysregulation in autism. Three drugs that have been studied are clomipramine (Anafranil), fluvoxamine (Luvox) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Studies have shown that they may reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors, and may decrease irritability, tantrums and aggressive behavior. Some children have also shown improvements in eye contact and responsiveness. Other drugs, such as Elavil, Wellbutrin, Valium, Ativan and Xanax have not been studied as much but may have a role in treating the behavioral symptoms. However, all these drugs have potential side effects, which should be discussed with qualified professionals before treatment is started. Anti-psychotic medications have been the most widely studied of the psychopharmacologic agents in autism over the past 35 years. Originally developed for treating schizophrenia, these drugs have been found to decrease hyperactivity, stereotypical behaviors, withdrawal and aggression in individuals with autism. Four that have been approved by the FDA are clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and quetiapine (Seroquel). Only risperidone has been investigated in a controlled study of adults with autism and was approved in 2006 by the FDA for the treatment of autism. Like the antidepressants, these drugs all have potential side effects, including sedation, which need to be carefully monitored by a qualified professional with experience in autism. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine, used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with ASD. Although few studies have been done, anecdotal evidence shows these medications may increase focus and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in autism, particularly in children who are not as severely affected as others. However, dosages need to be carefully monitored, because behavioral side effects are often dose-related. Increased use of medications to treat autism spectrum disorders has highlighted the need for more studies of these drugs in children. The National Institute of Mental Health has established a network of Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) that combine expertise in psychopharmacology and psychiatry. If you are considering the use of medications, contact a medical professional experienced in treating individuals on the autism spectrum to learn of possible side effects and discuss potential benefit. People with ASD may have very sensitive nervous systems and normally recommended dosage may need to be adjusted. Even the use of large doses of vitamins should be done under the supervision of a medical doctor. Over more then a decade, claims have been made that vitamin and mineral supplements may improve the symptoms of autism, in a natural way. While not all researchers agree about whether these therapies are scientifically proven, many parent, and an increasing number of physicians, report improvement in people with ASD when using individual or combined nutritional supplements. Malabsorption problems and nutritional deficiencies have been addressed in several, as-of-yet, unreplicated studies. A few studies suggest that intestinal disorders and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation may reduce the absorption of essential nutrients and cause disruptions in immune and general metabolic functions that are dependent upon these essential vitamins. Other studies have shown that some children on the autism spectrum may have low levels of vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, as well as biotin, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, while others may have an elevated serum copper to plasma zinc ratio, suggesting that people on the autism spectrum may benefit by avoiding copper and taking extra zinc to boost their immune system. Other studies have indicated a need for more calcium.There are several laboratories that test for nutritional deficiencies but many insurance companies will not pay for these tests. Perhaps the most common vitamin supplement used for individuals with ASD is vitamin B, which plays an important role in creating enzymes needed by the brain. In 18 studies or more on the use of vitamin B and magnesium (which is needed to make vitamin B effective), almost half of the individuals with autism showed improvement. The benefits include decreased behavioral problems, improved eye contact, better attention, and improvements in learning. Other research studies have shown that other supplements may help symptoms as well. Cod liver oil supplements (rich in vitamins A and D) have resulted in improved eye contact and behavior of children with autism. Vitamin C helps in brain function and deficiency symptoms like depression and confusion. Increasing vitamin C has been shown in a clinical trial to improve symptom severity in children with ASD. If you are considering the addition of vitamins or minerals to your child's diet, a laboratory and clinical assessment of nutritional status is highly recommended. The most accurate method for measuring vitamin and mineral levels is through a blood test. It is also important to work with someone knowledgeable in nutritional therapy. While large doses of some vitamins and minerals may not be harmful, others can be toxic. Once supplements are chosen, they should be phased in slowly (over several weeks) and then the effects should be observed for one to two months. Individuals with ASD may exhibit low tolerance or allergies to certain foods or chemicals. While not a specific cause of autism, these food intolerances or allergies may contribute to behavioral issues. Many parents and professionals have reported significant changes when specific substances are eliminated from the child's diet. Individuals on the autism spectrum may have trouble digesting proteins such as gluten. Research in the U.S. and England has found elevated levels of certain peptides in the urine of children with ASD, suggesting the incomplete breakdown of peptides from foods that contain gluten and casein. Gluten is found in wheat, oats and rye, and casein in dairy products. The incomplete breakdown and the excessive absorption of peptides may cause disruption in biochemical and neuroregulatory processes in the brain, affecting brain functions. Until there is more information as to why these proteins are not broken down, the removal of the proteins from the diet is the only way to prevent further neurological and gastrointestinal damage. It is important not to withdraw gluten/casein food products at once from a child's diet, as there can be withdrawal symptoms. Parents wishing to pursue a gluten/casein free diet should consult a gastroenterologist or nutritionist, who can help ensure proper nutrition. For information about implementing a gluten/casein free diet, go to http://www.gfcfdiet.com/ additional information about gluten-free foods can be found at http://www.celiacsociety.org/. The Autism Society of America’s magazine, Autism Advocate, also has a regular feature of recipes for those with special dietary needs. Some hypothesize that children with ASD have what is referred to as a "leaky gut" -- tiny holes in their intestinal tract that may be caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Some believe that this overgrowth may contribute to behavioral and medical problems in individuals on the spectrum, such as confusion, hyperactivity, stomach problems, and fatigue. The use of nutritional supplements, anti-fungal drugs and/or a yeast-free diet may reduce the behavioral problems. However, caution should be paid to the fact that just as antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, antifungals can lead to fungal resistance. Secretin is a hormone produced by the small intestine that helps in digestion. The hormone can be administered and used as a single dose to diagnose gastrointestinal problems. In 1996, a young boy with autism was given secretin for an endoscopy and showed improvements in some of his symptoms of autism. Other parents and professionals who tried secretin on children with autism reported similar results, including improvements in sleep patterns, eye contact, language skills, and alertness. However, several studies funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in the past three years have found no statistically significant improvements in the core symptoms when compared to patients who received a placebo. It is also important to remember that secretin is approved by the FDA for a single dose; there is no data on the safety of repeated doses over time. 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