Are There Medications for Autism?

Question: Are There Medications for Autism?

Are there medications for autism? Can medications cure autism?

Answer: No medication can cure autism.

That said, however, there are a variety of drugs that treat selected symptoms that may or may not be part of a particular individual's autism. For example, some individuals with autism are extremely anxious, and thus may be prescribed an antidepressant such as Zoloft or Prozac.

Others, with serious behavior issues, may be prescribed a medication like Risperdal, which has helped many children with autism to manage challenging situations.

For some autistic children, medications like ritalin or adderall, generally prescribed for ADHD, are helpful in improving behavior and focus.

_Resources:

_{Autism Society of America}

_{National Institutes of Mental Health}