Today, there are an unprecedented number of families facing the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in one or more of their children. With this diagnosis comes a host of options in therapies, educational philosophies, and natural remedies. Sifting through all of these options is overwhelming. To add considering a prescription medication to the list seems unthinkable for some.
There are many families, however, who have turned to Risperdal for help in controlling some of their child's symptoms of autism. What is Risperdal and why is it used on children with autism?
What is Risperdal?
Risperdal is the brand name for the drug Risperidone. Risperidone was originally developed as a drug for treating schizophrenia and is in a class of medication called "atypical antipsychotics." Though it is not entirely understood, it appears to work by changing brain activity through the manipulation of brain chemicals such as serotonin.
It was approved for treatment of irritability in children with autism between the ages of 5 and 16 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2006. Some devout supporters of ABA Therapy were quick to discourage its use, however, pointing out the high incident of rapid weight gain caused by the drug and related risks of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Some families, though, were desperate for relief from violent tirades from their autistic children, and out of fear for their child's safety and the safety of their siblings, decided to give the drug a try. The results were, as you would expect, varied.
The Horror Stories
A number of parents and caregivers found that the drug resulted in such a ravenous appetite in the child that they were forced to take extreme measures to keep them from overeating. One parent reported that a number of locks were used on the pantry and refrigerator, but that they all failed to prevent the autistic child from violating the food stores.
More than one family reported that when denied access to food at home, their child was known to sneak from his own home in the night and invade neighbors' kitchens to obtain food. Despite installing multiple locks on the doors and windows of their home, the child was able to breach these locks and the locks of the neighbors' windows, succeeding not only in obtaining food but in frightening unsuspecting neighbors. These parents decided to discontinue using the drug, and the children returned to having normal appetites.
The Success Stories
Success stories were common and with consistent results. Parents seemed shy to admit using the drug, but confirmed its effectiveness in controlling aggression. The family of one autistic five year old began using Risperdal to reduce his aggressive behavior after the mother and his sisters had sustained several injuries resulting from his outbursts. He has been on the drug for over two years now and his aggression is under control. His teachers report increased focus in class since beginning the drug, and he is sleeping better. He did show dramatic weight gain in the first few weeks on the drug, but the weight gain tapered off and his liver functions remained normal.
The concern about diabetes is valid, but when considering Risperdal for a child with autism, it should be noted that there has not been a single documented case of treatment-induced diabetes in a child in the age range of 5 - 16 caused by this drug.
As a caregiver of a child with autism, it is up to you to determine what treatments, methods of education, and philosophies you want to use in assisting your child. If your child has violent tantrums and aggressive behavior, you may wish to consider trying Risperdal in conjunction with the behavioral modification therapies you have chosen.
Sources:
- PubMed Health - Risperidone, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutions of Health, last reviewed September 1, 2008
- "Press Release, FDA Approves Risperdal for Treatment of Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder," Jannsen, L.P., October 10, 2006
- "Risperidone-Associated Diabetes Mellitus in Children," PEDIATRICS, Pediatrics Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol. 113 No. 2, February 2004, pp. 421-422
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Paula McCullough - Tax Specialist and Accountant for almost 20 years and still learning. Mother of three young children, one with Autism.
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