For children with ASD and a co-occurring mental health disorder, medication may be prescribed. It is important that the doctor working with the individual is familiar with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Some of the more common medications that are prescribed for people with ASD are for behavior problems, anxiety, depression, and OCD.
It is important for parents to be aware of any side effects that the medication may cause. People with ASD do not always respond to medication in the same way as a neurotypical person. It is especially important that parents and caregivers monitor medication effects in a person who has limited communication skills.
Many medications for anxiety and depression have a black box label (the most serious label a medication can receive) warning of increased depression and suicidal thoughts in children and young adults under 25. For people with limited communication and social skills, it may be difficult to express serious side effects.
Parents also need to know that any medications that a person with ASD takes will not change the underlying communication and social challenges that are a part of autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Book of the Week: Physicians' desk reference. This is a reference book that many libraries have available for consultation. You can read about the medication, and discuss any questions with your health care provider.
This book is in the SESA Library. You may search the library catalog via the SESA website (http://www.sesa.org), or contact Anne directly by email at afreitag@sesa.org or by phone at 907-334-1301.
