- No medication changes autism itself.
- Medication can help with specific difficulties, like severe irritability, attention, anxiety or sleep.
- Risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved for irritability associated with autism.
- Medication works best alongside therapy and support, with close follow-up.
Is there a medication for autism?
No medication changes autism itself. But doctors sometimes prescribe medication for difficulties that can come along with autism and make daily life very hard, such as:2
- Severe irritability, aggression or self-injury
- Attention problems and hyperactivity
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleep problems
- Seizures, in children who have epilepsy
Which medications are FDA-approved?
The FDA has approved two medications, risperidone and aripiprazole, for treating irritability associated with autism in children within certain age ranges. Risperidone, for example, is approved for ages 5 to 16.1
"Irritability" here means severe outbursts, aggression or self-injury, not everyday frustration. These medications can have side effects, such as weight gain and sleepiness, so doctors monitor children closely.
Doctors also sometimes prescribe other medicines "off-label" for related difficulties, such as stimulants for attention or certain antidepressants for anxiety.1
When do doctors consider medication?
Usually when a difficulty is:
- Affecting your child's safety or someone else's
- Getting in the way of learning, sleep or family life
- Not improving enough with therapy, routines and supports
It's also important to look for other causes first. Pain, constipation, poor sleep or a hard environment can all make behavior harder.
What should I ask the doctor?
- "What exactly are we hoping this will change?"
- "What side effects should I watch for?"
- "How will we know if it's working, and when do we check?"
- "How long would my child take it?"
- "What else should we try alongside it?"
What can I do before the appointment?
0 of 4 done
For sleep, read Why is sleep so hard for many autistic kids?
