Autism and the Risperdal Connection

Autism is a biological disorder affecting children all over the country. Without regard to race or age, autism is noted to affect boys more often than girls, creating an impaired social and communication style leaving parents of autistic children on a never ending quest to improve autistic symptoms. With recent development, the FDA approved drug Risperdal has become more commony used in autistic children. Understanding the use of Risperdal, the side effects and contraindications, will allow parents to make a better educated decision in the treatment of the autistic child.

Autism is the considered a childhood disablilty generally appearing in children by age three. Characterized by a variety of symptoms, autism is a disorder in the brain development which impairs the ability of a child to both verbally and non-verbally communicate. Again, without discrimination to gender, ethnicity nor lifestyle, autism is a significant and pervasive childhood disorder more common in boys than in girls.

While no cure has been developed for autism, there are medications which can improve the autistic symptoms. One such medication, Risperdal, manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutica, is commonly used to treat schizophrenia. However, in recent medical advances, Risperdal is believed to improve the symptoms of autism in children with a course of therapy over a six to eight week period. While only recently approved by the FDA for treatment of autism, many physicians are turning to Risperdal as an option in the treatment plan of autistic children in combination with psychotherapy.

As with most FDA approved drugs, Risperdal does not come without side effects. While very limited, side effects may include significant weight gain, fatigue, malaise and weakness. For this reason, children using Risperdal, in the treatment of autism, should utilize the medication with caution so as to avoid the onset of other health related complications associated with obesity. In addition to these disconcerting side effects, additional temporary complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, sore throat and signs of aggression may be seen, although most will dissipate with the course of treatment. For this reason, Risperdal should only be used for children between ages five and 16.

Dosing of Risperdal, in the treatment of childhood autism, is recommending in .25 milligrams or .5 milligrams, twice daily, at the onset of treatment. From that point, the pediatrician will determine what, if any, additional dosing recommendations should be made. While symptoms may not improve immediately, most patients will exhibit improved symptoms within six to eight weeks of therapy. The use of Risperdal, however, should not be used in children suffering from renal failure or pre-existing kidney disease nor children with comorbid psychiatric disorders currently taking prescription medication.

As with any childhood illness, providing optimal care and treatment to a child with autism is a parent's primary concern. Educating the child in the basis of the disorder, providing appropriate therapy to aid in social expansion and medicating to improve symptoms with Risperdal, may improve symptoms significantly to allow the child to lead a normal and healthy life into adulthood.