Welcome to another video in our Autism series. In today’s video, we’ll explore the pharmaceutical approaches applied to the treatment of clinical symptoms experienced by autistic people.
If you’re interested in this subject, check the other videos available on our channel.
A frequently asked question among laypeople is whether there is a medicine capable of curing autism. No, there isn't. There is currently no cure for autism. However, drugs can be used to treat the symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
However, this should only be done with the assistance and supervision of a medical practitioner. Normally, pediatric neurologists are in charge of this procedure. They should evaluate the symptoms and offer the appropriate treatment.
Following that, parents of autistic children should be informed that prescription medications do not cure the disorder, but rather alleviate symptoms, ensuring the child's well-being. It is critical to stress that drug therapy should not be conducted alone. Other experts, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, and doctors, are also required to accompany the individual.
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies and describes ASD as a clinical condition characterized by persistent impairments in the social-communicative and behavioral areas, with restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.
At present, the diagnosis is still essentially clinical, and the application of screening and diagnostic tools is opportune. It is understood that an earlier diagnosis is advantageous for autistic individuals because the prognosis of the individual's interpersonal development can be modified through early intervention.
As mentioned in other videos here on the channel, the diagnosis of ASD consists of observing a dyad of atypical behaviors, including the occurrence of impairments in communication (verbal and non-verbal) and social interaction; repetitive or stereotyped behavior patterns, and restricted interests.
Therefore, the presentation of a set of complex, diffuse, and multifactorial conditions of neurodevelopment represents a characteristic of ASD. It is important to mention that pharmacological interventions in autism are challenging due to the etiological and clinical heterogeneity of the disorder.
Identifying and managing ASD can be difficult, especially for persons with limited linguistic repertoire, low cognitive function, and ambiguous symptoms.
Pharmacological therapies are occasionally needed and may improve their adherence to therapy and everyday functioning. The concepts of psychopharmacological treatment for children with ASD are the same as those for children with normal development.
Efforts have been undertaken in the search for scientific evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of different drugs commonly used in pharmacological interventions in ASD, aiming at their incorporation into clinical protocols and therapeutic guidelines.
Although drugs are the health technology most used in treatments, specifically when it comes to the population with ASD, pharmacological interventions should not be universally used, they should be reserved only for particular situations, as the first-choice treatment is still limited.....Watch the video to continue learning.
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes. If you have further questions or concerns, consult with a licensed professional.
Check out my book on Parenting a Child with Autism:
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27 авг 2024
