Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only the most common reactions are listed. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special steps. Use each of these drugs as advised by your doctor or the booklet they came with. If you have any questions, call your doctor.
There are no specific treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Medicine can help treat certain behaviors such as anxiety, irritability, inattention, obsessive-compulsive habits, or aggression. Some of these are used as part of a more widespread care plan.
Common names:
These drugs improve mood. They can also help with other problems that are common with ASD such as aggression or tantrums.
Clomipramine treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which shares features with ASD.
Some problems are:
This drug is mainly used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also may help certain forms of ASD where hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are major problems.
Some problems are:
When your child is taking any medicine:
Some medicine may cause unexpected reaction in some children. Keep close track any behavior changes when using medicine. Report any problems to their care team as soon as possible.
Autism. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed August 8, 2019.
Autism spectrum disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml. Updated March 2018. Accessed August 8, 2019.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html. Updated April 5, 2019. Accessed August 8, 2019.
Autism spectrum disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113665/Autism-spectrum-disorders. Updated July 1, 2019. Accessed August 8, 2019.
Johnson CP, Myers SM, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities. Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2007;120(5):1183-1215.
Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD