Has your therapist told you that your autistic child is regressing in his program and suggested medication to help him? You are worried on the lack of progress in your child's development, but you are also not sure whether to medicate him is the answer. Should you trust their judgment and follow them blindly? Or should you educate yourself and try to find the best possible options? Here are some facts and options that might help give you some help in making your decision.
Autism is a neurological disorder with multiple symptoms in many variations. There are many theories on its causes, but till today the cure is still a mystery. Medication is one of the treatments available to reduce or partially alleviate specific autism symptoms. Like other treatments for autism, medication will not cure autism and do not have any expectations of that happening. The symptoms usually problematic behaviours that affect the child's ability to learn or to be part of the society. Some examples of problematic behaviour are short or lack of attention span, self injury like biting his own body parts or aggression. By taking the medication, your autistic child will be able to adjust and respond well in their program be it at school or at home,.
The medications used to treat children with autism, like any other medications, have their benefits as well as their harmful side effects. It is essential for you to weigh their risks against their potential benefits before deciding to start the medication. Discuss any medication treatment thoroughly with your child's physician. He should explain and review with you the potential benefits, risk and side effects of medication to your child. Share your knowledge with those who help taking care your child such as the school and your therapists. You will need their help in monitoring your child responds to the medication.
As the risk of medication is high, thus the benefit from the medication should be dramatic. When you decide to medicate your child, you should be able to see an obvious improvement in his behaviour in a short period of time. The only way you can tell whether a drug really works, regardless of what it is, is when you and your child's teachers are able to notice the changes. Only those people who spends many hours with your child who can give the accurate understanding of your child's behavior. If you and your child's teachers do not see any obvious improvement, then you probably should consider not to continue the medication.
There are some parents resist medication for their autistic children and only consider it as a last resort. To those who do, there are other treatment options available and one of it is behavioral therapy. Though, it is a difficult path if your child is severely impaired socially and intellectually, but it's not impossible by any means. You are the best advocate for your child and the choice is yours. Take into account all your options, learn all the facts, and then act in the best interests of your child.
