STUDY FINDS MEDICAL TREATMENTS FOR AUTISM DON’T WORK

According to a new systematic review of medical treatments for autism, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of psychiatric drugs for children suffering from autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that there is evidence to support using antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole for challenging and repetitive behaviors in children with ASDs, yet there is strong concern over significant adverse side effects of these medications. Due to this concern, those drugs are limited to patients with severe impairment or risk of injury.

The review also found a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of other medical treatments like SSRI’s (anti-depressants) and stimulant medications (like Ritalin for ADHD) in children with ASDs.

You can read the abstract from the article in Pediatrics here.