Nonetheless, medicines such as risperidone and aripiprazole can be beneficial in ways that can ease these core symptoms, because relieving irritability often improves sociability while reducing tantrums, aggressive outbursts and self-injurious behaviors.
Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) are the only drugs approved by the FDA for children with autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone can be prescribed for children between 5 and 16 years old to help with irritability and aggression. Aripiprazole can be prescribed for children between 6 and 17 years old.
In Australia, risperidone is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for irritability and aggression in autism in patients under 18 years of age.
Both risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating autism-related irritability, which includes aggression, tantrums, and self-injury.
Risperidone (Risperdal®)
Risperidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism and tic disorders.
ABA therapy
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is considered the gold standard for treating children with autism to change their aggressive behaviors. It can be used to help children with autism learn new skills, reduce problem behaviors, and improve their quality of life.
Lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics are the three main types of drug which are used as mood stabilisers.
Methylphenidate may improve hyperactivity in children with ASD in the short term, although there was no evidence that methylphenidate improves or worsens ASD symptoms. Some children cannot tolerate the medication's side effects.
Aggression in autism can involve severe tantrums, anger, hostility, sudden-onset violent outbursts including self-harm and rage 'episodes'. Up to 20% of individuals with autism exhibit such violent behaviours.
Midazolam (a benzodiazepine) and droperidol (antidopaminergic) have both been shown to be effective and cause a reduction in aggression quickly. However, the result may not be sustained, and repeated administration may increase side effects including oversedation and respiratory depression.
Some classes of drugs commonly prescribed for treating anxiety disorders in the general population likewise help some of those on the autism spectrum. These include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac.
The most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Quillivant), amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, Dyanavel), atomoxetine (Strattera), and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
In the general population, young children often become less aggressive as they get older and learn better ways to express themselves. But for some with autism, aggression persists through the teen years into adulthood.
Children with autism — especially boys — become aggressive when adults interfere with a repetitive behavior, when someone tries to take away an item they need to continue a repetitive routine, or when they are trying to escape uncomfortable sensory input.
Does SSRI therapy help autistic children? Research suggests SSRIs don't change the core characteristics of autism in children. Also, emerging evidence suggests they might cause harm. It's possible, however, that SSRIs might help some autistic children with anxiety, but more high-quality research is needed.
Research shows the success rate for stimulant use is near 80 percent. These medications can bring substantial improvement to “core” ADHD symptoms that undermine social, behavioral, or academic progress in a child with autism, such as poor focus, inability to complete a task, and impulsivity.
But some hyperactive children with autism can't tolerate the drug and suffer side effects such as nausea, mood swings and appetite loss after just a few doses.
Dextromethorphan; Quinidine oral capsules. Dextromethorphan and quinidine combine to treat uncontrollable and frequent episodes of laughing and/or crying caused by pseudobulbar affect. This medication comes in a capsule form. You take it by mouth with a glass of water as directed.
These outbursts can include anger, frustration, and aggression, and are often triggered by sensory overload, communication difficulties, or changes in routine. The triggers could be due to Sensory Overload, Communication Challenges or Routine Disruptions such as changes in familiar routines or unexpected transitions.