| When considering medication for a child with Autism a | | | | child with Autism. When the FAA approves a drug to |
| parent has to remember that Autism is a short way of | | | | be used for particular symptoms, doctors are able to |
| referring to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is | | | | use these drugs for other people who exhibit the |
| basically a collection of symptoms. That is part of | | | | symptoms. They can prescribe it whether the person |
| what makes it a syndrome. When considering | | | | has a diagnosis or not. |
| medication for a child with Autism parents and doctors | | | | A parent can take an active role in this process in |
| are treating the symptoms. Just because one drug | | | | many ways. The first way is to research and choose |
| works with one child with Autism does not mean it will | | | | a doctor who has a reputation for being able to work |
| work for the next child either. | | | | with children with Autism. Once you have chosen a |
| One drug can treat a particular symptom or group of | | | | doctor you can do your own research. |
| symptoms which are related. Medications for some | | | | Parents can look up suggested medications. They can |
| children with this disability may reduce hyperactivity | | | | look up information about child psychopharmacology |
| and increase their attention span. Other drugs are used | | | | and that particular drug. Another place to look is in drug |
| to help with the issue of self injury or violence towards | | | | research. Much of this can be done on the internet. |
| others. There are still other drugs that can help with | | | | They can also look for what other parents are saying |
| difficulty sleeping or even anxiety over social situations. | | | | about the drug on forums. |
| These are just some symptoms that may require drug | | | | As medication is used more, pros and cons will be |
| therapy and they may or may not occur from one | | | | researched. It will then find its way into all sorts of |
| child to the next. | | | | literature. Do not be surprised when you have to try |
| Many medications used to treat symptoms of Autism | | | | several different or new drugs to find the best one. |
| were not created for that reason. At some point | | | | This is when close communication with the doctor is |
| some doctor realized that if the medication helped | | | | critical. |
| some people with that symptom it could well help a | | | | |