Post by momofautistic on Aug 4, 2005 9:55:42 GMT -5
Caution warranted with drug therapy
LAUREL TAGGART; Puyallup
Re: “Anti-psychotic drug shows promise in autistic children” (TNT 7-5).
The article refers to the drug Risperdal. A recent article from the Autism Research Institute’s quarterly publication reported on an application by Johnson & Johnson to market the drug Risperdal as a treatment for autism.
“While no reason was provided publicly,” the article said, “the drug – a popular treatment for autism – is linked to severe weight gain, blood glucose irregularities and other serious side effects.”
The same newsletter also includes warnings regarding Adderall, Ritalin and Seroquel. Adderall was recently banned by the Canadian government due to safety concerns.
Care should always be given when considering pharmaceuticals for children with autism. They should only be administered by professionals experienced specifically with autism spectrum disorders.
Studies show behaviors are often how our children communicate anxiety, stress and feelings of being overwhelmed by their environment.
These behaviors often can be successfully addressed by providing appropriate behavioral assessments which identify these triggers.
Modifications and supports can then be added to the child’s environment to create opportunities for success which often lead to a marked reduction or even extinction of those behaviors.
LAUREL TAGGART; Puyallup
Re: “Anti-psychotic drug shows promise in autistic children” (TNT 7-5).
The article refers to the drug Risperdal. A recent article from the Autism Research Institute’s quarterly publication reported on an application by Johnson & Johnson to market the drug Risperdal as a treatment for autism.
“While no reason was provided publicly,” the article said, “the drug – a popular treatment for autism – is linked to severe weight gain, blood glucose irregularities and other serious side effects.”
The same newsletter also includes warnings regarding Adderall, Ritalin and Seroquel. Adderall was recently banned by the Canadian government due to safety concerns.
Care should always be given when considering pharmaceuticals for children with autism. They should only be administered by professionals experienced specifically with autism spectrum disorders.
Studies show behaviors are often how our children communicate anxiety, stress and feelings of being overwhelmed by their environment.
These behaviors often can be successfully addressed by providing appropriate behavioral assessments which identify these triggers.
Modifications and supports can then be added to the child’s environment to create opportunities for success which often lead to a marked reduction or even extinction of those behaviors.