November 7, 2008, Newsletter Issue #116: Diet and Medication
Tip of the Week
Medication is often used in the treatment of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. Dietary interventions are used in some cases as well.
Common medications uses in the treatment of autism include stimulants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety and psychotropic medications. Stimulants include medication used for hyperactivity in children. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications like Zoloft and Paxil are often used to help reduce self-stimulatory behaviors and ease anxiety.
One psychotropic medication, Risperdal is commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Risperdal has recently been approved for the treatment of autism as well.
Dietary intervention includes vitamin supplements and casein and gluten-free diets are believed to reduce the symptoms of autism. The casein and gluten free diets hold the contention that individuals with autism are unable to digest certain proteins found in some foods. The excess proteins build up in the system and affect the brain in the same way an opiate drug would.
The casein and gluten free diets require that all foods containing these substances be removed. Even a trace could ruin the effort.
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