Pharmacotherapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Currently, there are only two medications, risperidone and aripiprazole, that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage symptoms of irritability and aggression in children with ASD. These medications, however, are approved and used to manage challenging behaviors associated with ASD rather than deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior that are core symptoms of the disorder. Due to the paucity of medications indicated to treat ASD, clinicians often prescribe other medications “off label” to manage symptoms associated with ASD, such as irritability, hyperactivity, inattention, anxiety, and aggression. New treatment options that may target the core symptoms of ASD are beginning to emerge, but further evidence is needed to support the use of these medications in children. The evidence behind existing and emerging medications to treat symptoms of ASD in children are discussed to highlight the need for further research in this area.