» Conditions » Children's Conditions » Autism
Treating Autism
Autism is not curable but the behavioral and cognitive functioning symptoms can improve with the help of psychosocial treatments and pharmacological interventions. Recent research has led to important discoveries, specifically evidence that intensive behavioral training starting as early as infancy can substantially improve symptoms in some autistic children. Additionally, National Institute of Mental Health-funded research teams are evaluating the effectiveness of parent-training interventions that are tailored to the particular characteristics of the child and family.
In adults with autism, some studies have found beneficial effects of the antidepressant medications clomipramine and fluoxetine. There is also evidence that the antipsychotic medication haloperidol can be helpful; however, the risk of serious side effects is significant in children.
The increasing use of psychotropic medications to treat autism in children has spotlighted an urgent need for more studies of such drugs in youths. A network of five NIMH-supported research centers that combine expertise in psychopharmacology and psychiatry are evaluating the atypical antipsychotic risperidone for reducing aggressive self-injurious behavior in children with autism. Other NIMH research is investigating valproate for diminishing this behavior in adolescents with autism. Studies are examining dose range and regimen of medications, and their mechanisms of action, safety, efficacy, and effects on cognition, behavior, and development.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Link: Find a Therapist
See also:
|
 |
 |
|
