So, have you just been advised by your healthcare provider that you might need to explore the option of using medicines in order to control the difficult autistic behaviour of your child? Fair enough, but just make sure you ask your physician these 7 key questions before you take any medication for Autism:
1. Why is medication needed for my child?
Ideally, medication should only be used as a last resort. According to the best practices on medication for Autism, medication should be prescribed only under 2 conditions:
- The condition is damaging, to self or to others. If the symptoms of Autism are severe enough to cause damage or distress either to the patient or people he/she is in contact with, then it makes perfect sense to use medication to normalize otherwise difficult behaviour.
- A proper diagnosis has been conducted and the physician believes that medication is an appropriate path for improvement (in conjunction with other therapies).
2. Which type of medication are you considering?
3. How long will it take to see effects?
4. What type of side effects should I expect?
5. What should I do if I see these side effects?
6. When will we know if it is time to increase the medication dose?
7. When will we know if it is time to change the medication?
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
