Autism- What is the best  prescribed medication for intervention or behavioral improvement?
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As autism is not technically a "disease," there is no medicine specifically for autism. \n\nAbout interventions, each person with autism is very different and has different needs, so I cannot recommend a specific program. I would suggest, however, that if the person with autism you are asking about is in school, to be sure to contact his or her teacher(s) and make sure that what he or she is learning at school is being worked on and reinforced at home, to promote generalization of learning. \n\nHere are some recommendations for more information: \n\n"Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism" by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html\n\nWebsite of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html\n\n"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story\n\nAutism Society of America - http://www.autism-society.org/ \n\n"Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. I may not be good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed I don't lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates, or pass judgment on other people? ... With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you I'm worth it." - Quotes from 'Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew'
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You have to stay on the school and the teachers. Let them know that you are a concerned parent. If your not there call them. They should have given you a parent rights book when they made that decision. I have a 16yr old brother with Aspergers.  A good site to get onfo also is http://www.autismtoday.com/index.asp. Remember dont let up. They will see that you want whats best for him, not any special treatment.
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AD/HD is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by differences in brain structure and function that affect behavior, thoughts and emotions.  Research has consistently failed to support the "bad parent" or “bad teacher” theory.  A large body of scientific evidence supports the efficacy of medications for the treatment of AD/HD.\n\nTake a look at these articles: \n\nhttp://www.chadd.org/factvsfiction.cfm\n\nhttp://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p040842.html
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introduction:\nIn the absence of any orthodox, biomedical intervention which has substantial, totally proven, benefits to people with autism, it is natural for parents and carers to explore all possibilities. Some of the ideas and the consequent therapies appear somewhat bizarre and have attracted a degree of denigration from professionals charged with the responsibility of responding to the problems of autism. European professionals, in particular, feel that they cannot be seen to advocate unproven therapies for which they do not have an adequate explanation. Parents and carers, on the other hand, have no such qualms and place themselves at the forefront of experimentation of this type. Additionally, professionals are bound by certain ethical requirements which constrain them from experimentation with such interventions. Parents are, on the whole, in a desperate situation and will try anything which offers to help their children. Many were seduced by the unsubstantiated promises of "Holding Therapy" or "Psychotherapy" and who can blame them? Others have used therapies which, at first sight, seem even more peculiar and inexplicable but, nevertheless, deserve a fair evaluation. Some of these ideas have been around for many years yet remain "unproven". It is the purpose of this presentation to investigate these methods, to explain their theoretical background and to examine the claims made on their behalf.\nYeast Infections\nIt has been suggested that the presence of yeast infections in the gut and, perhaps, other parts of the body, could result in autism. Crook (1984) has done much to publicise these ideas and has been ridiculed for them. Human intestines are packed with bacteria which break down certain foodstuffs in such a way that digestion is aided. Under certain circumstances, yeasts, which are fungi, can become established and will utilise foodstuffs to their advantage. The suggestion is that waste products from the yeast will be absorbed from the gut and create havoc within the body inhibiting development of the CNS and interrupting neurotransmission.\nA factor which promotes the overgrowth of the gut by yeasts is the use of antibiotics. It is indisputable that when antibiotics are taken to kill pathological, disease causing bacteria, they will also kill those bacteria which are normal inhabitants of the gut. The result is that fungi, which are unaffected by the antibiotics, will be able to multiply ("While the cat's away the mice will play") and effectively take over. It has been commonly observed that children with autism often have a history of earache, ear infections or general hearing problems. In fact some authors (for example Gordon 1993) are convinced that autism is the result of ear infections and subsequent hearing impairments. Certainly, many children with autism have had grommets (known as tubes in the US) inserted in their ears prior to a diagnosis of autism. In any case, such children will be treated with antibiotics at a comparatively early age and the process could be triggered off by this means. Both the yeast and ear infections are explicable in other ways but the coincidental appearance of autism at around 2 years of age with ear infections and subsequent use of antibiotics cannot be ignored.\nShaw (1995) has isolated a number of metabolites (such as arabinose, tartaric acid and 3-keto-glutaric acid) from the urine of people with autism. Since these substances are, as far as we know, more or less (but not totally) restricted to fungal sources. It is argued that these are evidence of fungal infection. It is suggested that some of these chemicals are sufficiently similar to normal metabolites of human cells, and specifically those involved in Krebs Cycle that this basic metabolic process is disrupted and autism is the ultimate consequence. A variety of methods have been developed to counteract or eliminate the effects of yeasts. Avoid the use of antibiotics. Th
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I don't know how old your son is, but change for an Autistic child is extemely hard. I'm sure you know this already, though.  my brother has asbergers and he is going to be 21. each year he seems to be getting better and has had his medication reduced quite a bit over the years. he too has dealt with death and changing schools. a stable environment and support system is key for these two mental disorders.\n\ni think that children/people with autism need to be on some form of medication and therapy for the rest of their lives. unfortunately they were not made to function in the real world with as much comfort as others. \n\nthe key right now is stability and support, though. the right balance of these two things without making too much of a fuss that they are "special" is the best for them. i never felt embarassed or ashamed of my brother, and that has helped him grow into his own person.
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My child is three, and autistic, and has sleep issues, too. I use products from Melaleuca, the one that helps him has chamomile, so you could try that. You can buy chamomile tea at any store. If he doesn't like the taste of it, make it up then mix it with juice, or whatever you give him to drink. Just don't let him see you do it. What I use helps him sleep, but doesn't knock him out, I even give it to him during the day to help calm his tantruming.
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First you must consult a good paediatrist and a neurologist. They would prescribe the exact medication. Thereafter some regular exercising to provide limb mobility and coordination, which should be done by a specialized physiotherapist. \n\nI suggest you consult All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS, New Delhi)
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There are many different medications for ADD. My little brother tried Adderal XR, but it had WAY TOO MANY EMOTIONAL SIDE EFFECTS. (But keep in mind that everyone is different!) He is currently taking Concerta and the emotional side effects have disappeared!
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Here are some books that might help:\nAutism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide by \nChantal Sicile-Kira, Temple Grandin\n\nAlso, a look at applied behavioural analysis, one of the most commonly used and reliable treatments is seen in the book\n\nApplied Behaviour Analysis and Autism: Building a Future Together ~ by Mickey Keenan (Editor), et al\n \nthere are many good Yahoo groups for people with your questions:\nhttp://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=autism&submit=Search\n\nYes, your child can have a normal adult life, with a whole lot of support from his family and friends.  The specifics of a driver's license depends entirely on his individual ability.  My non-autistic friend didn't get one until she was 30 years old, out of fear.  My autistic brother got one when he was 21, which is how long it took him to learn the skills he needed.
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With the many new treatment options that have been approved by the FDA you have many options in regards to ADD/ADHD. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/604_adhd.html  http://add.about.com/cs/othertreatment/\n\nYou will need to find a good mental health professional, preferably one who is trained in geriatric issues and who is qualified and experienced at diagnosing and treating this "umbrella" disorder we call ADD/ADHD.  You may have to contact your Area Agency on Aging to find professionals specialized to the needs of senior adults. http://www.n4a.org/\n\nAfter that, you should be in a good position to discover how this disorder is adversely affecting your life and learn to effect positive change.  I would like to note, though, I do not believe that people find themself unsuccessful in life based one suspected diagnosis.  In any event, this disorder does affect lives and should be addressed.\n\nIf you do find that you have this disorder, seek out the best mental health care provider available to you.  Not all ADD/ADHD treatments work for everyone.  I am a big believer in the least invasive treatments (non-stimulant), especially for someone within your age range.   Over time I have come to prefer and appreciate the treatments found under the category of "Complementary and alternative medicine (Cam)." Here is a goverment website for CAM info:  http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/\n\nA note of caution:  There are herbs and supplements that have been shown to help treat the symptoms of ADD.  Because herbs, vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA it will require research on your part to find the recommended dosages, contraindications, and adverse side effects etc etc etc before taking them.  Check the library at your hospital's Holistic Healing Center, they should have a copy of the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) equivalent for herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Here is one example of a hospital's HH Center: http://www.deaconess.com/body.cfm?id=435\n\nI hope you remember to treasure and embrace in this your sixth decade of life.  Cheers to the many adventures ahead of you.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)\n\nBrief meaning:If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you may be wondering what form of treatment to use. Usually, medication and/or behavior management are recommended. Neither medication alone nor behavior management alone gives consistent long-term results. Medication alone does not help children with ADHD a great deal in their social and academic functioning. Behavioral therapy may be needed to tackle ADHD-related behavior problems. Behavior therapy alone often doesn't give the benefits as when used with medication. This may be partly because effective behavior-management programs are difficult to implement. They require ongoing efforts and cooperation over long periods of time by the children, parents, and teachers if they are to work. But when combined, medication and behavior management offer the greatest chance for long-term successful management of behavior.
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I have a 26 yr old son with Autism and ADD and he is the biggest blessing in my life.  Try to find support from other parents in your community.  Check out www.PHP.com (there are groups like PHP all over North America.\nAlso I love the books  "Laughing & Loving with Autism" by R. Wayne Gilpin.  Also read "Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm.  I also used prayer to help us through the rough spots...there is light at the end of the tunnel..  Autistic kids are truly wonderful...write down what they do and say...we used sign language until our son could talk and it worked very well.
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My son has ADHD and so does my husband.  My son was on Ritalin and we didn't have any luck, He is 18 now and hasn't been on meds sice age 13. he has a lot of anger and frustration issues but he self medicates with Skateboarding. He says it helps him to escape and slow his brain down. And get rid of his aggression. My husband is on Strattera and Except for having a daily throw up session he says it helps him to concentrate and focus on his job.
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Hi, again, Stephen!  Hmm, I have never heard of Zetia as it relates to Autism.  As a drug used to lower cholesterol and lipid levels, I fail to see what a benefit would be to someone on the Spectrum.  It is important to remember that there is NO drug to treat Autism.  Some parents/caretakers will use medications, namely anti-depressants and anti-psychotics to treat some symptoms (especially in individuals that are prone to violent outbursts, or self-abusive behaviors), or to help people with Autism sleep through the night (a common issue).  Please note that all of these meds can have some nasty side effects, and nobody knows what the long term effects may be in children.\nAlso, and I am not a new-agey, holistic freak, check into some popular, non-prescription therapies like Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a mixture of Magnesium and B vitamins.  These should only be done under the supervision of a doctor, however, especially with children.
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Hopefully...these links help you... View them in the sources tab.\n\nBest wishes,\n\nMichelle\nHFA; higher-functioning Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD.
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I think the first place to look would be the 'official' diagnostic tool for autism: DSM-IV (or ICD-10): this will tell you how autism is diagnosed, and will help you decide which type of autism you want to be investiagting:\n\nDSM-IV Criteria, Pervasive Developmental Disorders\n299.00 Autistic Disorder\n\nA. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):\n\n    (1) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:\n\n        (a) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, such as eye-to- eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction\n\n        (b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level\n\n        (c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)\n\n        (d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity \n\n    (2) qualitative impairments in communication, as manifested by at least one of the following:\n\n        (a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)\n\n        (b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others\n\n        (c) stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language\n\n        (d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level\n\n    (3) restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities as manifested by at least one of the following:\n\n        (a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus\n\n        (b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals\n\n        (c) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting or complex whole-body movements)\n\n        (d) persistent precoccupation with parts of objects \n\nB. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play.\n\nC. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's disorder or childhood disintegrative disorder.\n\n299.80 Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified\n\nThis category should be used when there is a severe and pervasive impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction or verbal and nonverbal communication skills, or when stereotyped behavior, interests, and activities are present, but the criteria are not met for a specific pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, or avoidant personality disorder. For example, this category includes "atypical autism" --presentations that do not meet the criteria for autistic disorder because of late age of onset, atypical symptomatology, or subthreshold symptomatology, or all of these.\n\n299.80 Asperger's Disorder\n\nA. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:\n\n    (1) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction\n\n    (2) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level\n\n    (3) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)\n\n    (4) lack of social or emotional reciprocity \n\nB. Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyp
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I am a bit surprised they are using that med for a therapeutic pill. It usually is taken longer than that. I do hope you are in a weekly therapy group? A group would be best, so you find you are not alone, and can see how others cope. Do not take any drug like that without seeing a Psych. first. Everyone is so different, and we all have different needs. Believe me!!!