Medication and autism

Many autistic adults benefit from prescribed medications. 

It's important to understand that there are currently no medications available to treat the core characteristics of autism related to social and communication challenges.

Instead, medications are often used to manage conditions that frequently accompany autism. These can include depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), epilepsy, and bipolar disorder.

Medications and considerations

Before starting any medication, it's crucial to discuss the potential benefits and side effects with your doctor. Medications can have various side effects, and what works for one person might not work for another. It often takes time and experimentation to find the right medication or combination of medications to manage your condition effectively. Always discuss and manage medications with your healthcare provider first, and never make any changes to your dosage without consulting them. 

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and symptoms of OCD. These medications are most effective when used in combination with psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can have programs specifically designed for autistic people.

Stimulants

Stimulants are often used to treat ADHD, a common co-diagnosis in autistic adults. These medications can help reduce hyperactivity and improve attention, and often have some side effects. It's important to note that GPs usually cannot prescribe stimulants, so you will need to see a psychiatrist for a prescription.

Medications for seizures

Autistic individuals have a higher rate of epilepsy compared to the non-autistic population. This generally presents in early childhood or the teenage years. Managing epilepsy requires specialist medical attention, and a variety of medications can be trialled to reduce seizures.

Medications for bipolar disorder

Studies suggest that approximately 27% of people with autism also have symptoms of bipolar disorder, compared to about 4% in the general population.  Managing this condition is complex and usually requires the involvement of a psychiatrist. 

Anti-anxiety medications

Anxiety is a common co-occurring condition in autistic people, with some research suggesting that around 50% of autistic adults and children live with anxiety. This can include social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

Managing anxiety in autistic individuals can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms between autism and anxiety disorders. Sometimes, the same symptoms occur in both conditions, making it difficult to determine which came first.

Using medication for anxiety is usually done in conjunction with suggested lifestyle changes and possibly psychological treatment. Whether using medication or not, talk with your doctor about what is the best way to manage your anxiety issues. Additionally, addressing issues taking place in a person’s environment situations, such as bullying in the workplace, might improve anxiety symptoms.

Tips for finding the right medication

Finding the right medication for autistic adults can be challenging, so it's essential to consider all factors and ask your doctor important questions. Start by asking why the medication is being recommended and what you can expect it to do. Ask about potential side effects and who to contact if any problems or concerns arise. Check if there are any foods or medicines that might affect the medication. Discuss how often follow-up visits will occur and who will be handling these appointments. Make sure to check the cost of the medication, and if health insurance or government assistance can be used to cover the cost. 

Medications can play a vital role in managing co-occurring conditions in autistic individuals. However, it's important to approach medication use with caution, ensuring that all decisions are made in consultation with healthcare professionals.