Medications
Key Terms and Phrases
Autism is a difference in how someone thinks, communicates and experiences the world. It is not something that needs to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’.
Some children may be offered medication to help with specific challenges a child might experience alongside autism, such as anxiety, sleep difficulties, and distress.
We have summarised some of the medications you may encounter on this journey, but it is not by any means a complete or comprehensive list.
Type: Sleep hormone medication
Why it may be prescribed: Children with autism may experience sleep difficulties such as falling asleep, staying asleep, or irregular sleep cycles.
How it works: Melatonin helps regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle).
Possible side effects: Morning drowsiness; Headache; Mild dizziness
Type: Anti-depressants (SSRI)
Common Brands: Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline)
Why it may be prescribed: It may be prescribed anxiety, low mood, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and a wide range of other conditions.
How it works: Increases serotonin levels in the brain.
Type: Stimulant (ADHD Medication)
Common Brands: Ritalin, Concerta
Why it may be prescribed: Autism is often associated with ADHD, which can cause difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
How it works: It increases neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline) in the brain to improve attention and behavioural symptoms.
Type: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
Common Brand: Intuniv
Why it may be prescribed: Often used for ADHD, which can cause difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
How it works: Reduces overactivity in certain parts of the brain controlling attention and impulse control.
Type: Non-stimulant ADHD medication
Common Brand: Strattera
Why it may be prescribed: When stimulant medications are not suitable or not tolerated.
How it works: Increases noradrenaline levels in specific parts of the brain.
Type: Stimulant (ADHD Medication)
Brand: Elvanse
Why it may be prescribed: Used for ADHD symptoms when other stimulant medications (e.g. methylphenidate) have not been effective.
Possible side effects:
Type: Atypical antipsychotic
Common Brand: Risperdal
Why it may be prescribed: Sometimes used for severe aggression, irritability, or self-injury in autism spectrum disorder when behavioral approaches alone are not sufficient.
How it works: Affects dopamine and serotonin signaling in the brain.
There are many other medicines that doctors may consider depending on a child’s specific symptoms, medical history, and individual needs.
This is only a general overview, and the examples of brand names, uses, and side effects are not complete. Many medications may have additional brand names and different formulations. We have not mentioned side effects but linked to more comprehensive websites on medication. Every child is different, and decisions about their treatment should only be made by a qualified medical practitioner.
We have included some ADHD medications above as these may be used in combined AuDHD.
If you have any concerns about medication and/or supplements that your child is taking, please contact your healthcare provider for further advice.