If you’ve been following me for a while you know my first preference isn’t prescription medication. I’m motivated and passionate about finding the root cause of autistic symptoms and addressing those to make your child’s life better. However, there may come a time when medications are necessary and I’m here to tell you, that’s OK.
Medication, especially the right one, at the right dose, at the right time, can lead not only to an improvement in your child’s quality of life, but also in your family’s overall quality of life.
You’re not a failure if you choose to use medications. And it doesn’t mean your child will be on medicine for the rest of their life. It just means this is what your child needs right now.
There’s no medicine to treat or cure autism. There’s no medicine that will make autism go away. The goal of using medication to treat an autistic child is to address specific symptoms, whether that’s sleep disorders, mood disorders, irritability, depression, or ADHD type symptoms. Medication can successfully be used to address the severity of these symptoms.
The list of medications that might be used to treat some of your autistic child’s symptoms is long. Instead of giving you a lesson in pharmacology, I created a chart that provides you with the classes of medications, both the generic and brand name of each, a list of symptoms they target, and some possible side effects. Additionally, I’ve provided some notes of what to look out for as far as food dyes and allergens are concerned.
You’re not responsible for knowing all this. If you decide to use medications for your child, the choice will be done in partnership with your prescriber. However, this chart will give you the ability to think about these medications ahead of time and read up on them so you can make an informed decision if and when it’s time to choose a medication.
If you do decide to try prescription medications with your autistic child, it doesn’t mean you have to stop the other things you’re doing, like dietary changes, gut healing, or even supplements. All of these things can be used in conjunction with medications. There are a handful of supplements that shouldn’t be used with some of the medications on this chart, however, your prescriber will be able to tell you if and when a complication might occur.
Download my Common Prescription Medications Used With Autistic Children chart here.
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This course will outline the Essential 5 things you need to know as you begin this functional medicine approach with your autistic child. You’ll be provided with This course a framework of where to start and where to go next to help your child experience success.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing a great job.
I hope this information has been helpful to you as part of creating Your Autism Game Plan.
Do you have a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email me at joya@yourautismgameplan.com
