Autistic spectrum disorders

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are increasingly being seen by primary care clinicians. Research has established that prompt diagnosis and early provision of services lead to better outcomes. Most of the treatment modalities for ASDs are psychosocial in nature and occur in community and school settings. For varied reasons, individuals with ASDs are also prone to the development of multiple, comorbid psychiatric disorders that usually need a combination of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. This chapter discusses the evidence-based psychopharmacological options that are available to the clinicians who treat patients with ASDs.