From the Guidelines
Medication should be considered to manage specific target symptoms or comorbid conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but there is no single medication specifically approved to treat sensory issues in autism. According to the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 1, pharmacotherapy may be offered to children with ASD when there is a specific target symptom or comorbid condition. Some medications that may help manage sensory issues in autism include:
- Atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone, which has been shown to be effective in managing irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behavior associated with autism 1
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications that may help manage associated comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression
- Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, which can help reduce hyperarousal and sensory sensitivity It is essential to note that medication should always be prescribed by a healthcare provider familiar with autism spectrum disorders, starting at low doses and gradually increasing while monitoring for side effects. Combining medication with parent training and other interventions, such as sensory integration therapy and environmental modifications, is likely to be more efficacious than medication alone 1. Individual responses to medication vary significantly, so finding the right medication often requires trial and adjustment under medical supervision.
From the FDA Drug Label
The efficacy of RISPERIDONE in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder was established in two 8-week, placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents (aged 5 to 16 years) who met the DSM-IV criteria for autistic disorder.
The primary outcome measure in both trials was the change from baseline to endpoint in the Irritability subscale of the ABC (ABC-I)
RISPERIDONE, starting at 0.25 mg/day or 0.5 mg/day depending on baseline weight (< 20 kg and ≥ 20 kg, respectively) and titrated to clinical response (mean modal dose of 1.9 mg/day, equivalent to 0.06 mg/kg/day), significantly improved scores on the ABC-I subscale and on the CGI-C scale compared with placebo.
Risperidone may be used to improve irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents. However, the provided information does not directly address sensory issues.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder.
- There is no direct information on the use of Risperidone for autism sensory issues.
- The FDA drug label does not provide sufficient information to support the use of Risperidone for sensory issues in autism 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Medication for Autism Sensory Issues
- There is limited research on medication specifically for improving autism sensory issues.
- However, some studies have investigated the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 3.
- The study found that SSRIs may be effective in improving some symptoms in adults with ASD, but there is no evidence of their effectiveness in children, and emerging evidence suggests potential harm 3.
- Another study discussed the importance of assessing sensory features in ASD and provided recommendations for clinical assessment, but did not specifically address medication 4.
- A review of approaches to assessing sensory processing dysfunction in adolescents and adults with ASD identified various methods, including self-report questionnaires, psychophysical assessment, and neuroimaging, but did not discuss medication 5.
- A review of psychological and functional assessment, and behavioral treatment approaches for ASD discussed various evidence-based therapies, but did not specifically address medication for sensory issues 6.
- An update on pharmacotherapy for ASD in children and adolescents found that atypical antipsychotics, methylphenidate, and alpha-2 agonists may be effective in reducing certain symptoms, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not effective in improving repetitive behaviors and may cause adverse events 7.