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Pharmacological Interventions for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive patterns of behavior and deficits in social communication that affects approximately 1 in 45 adults. Many members of this population receive psychotropic medication, typically to reduce challenging responses or to treat comorbid psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The scientific literature that supports this practice is neither large nor high quality and does not provide compelling support for the use of any medication for any purpose in this population. It leaves many important questions unanswered. We do not know, for instance, whether age modulates drug effects in people with autism spectrum disorder or whether autism spectrum disorder alters the effects of drugs. We also know very little about the long-term effects of psychotropic medications or about the effects of drug combinations, which is commonly prescribed. Despite the limitation of the literate, it is important to recognize that most studies report positive results, and it is clear that some adults with autism spectrum disorder derive significant benefit from psychotropic medications. Appropriate use of such drugs requires caregivers to ensure that (a) the goals of treatment are clear and in the client’s best interest, (b) treatment decisions are made on the basis of real drug effects, and (c) drug therapy is flexible and integrated with non-pharmacological interventions. If these provisions are met, psychotropic drugs can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of adults with autism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

    Katarina Rotta & Alan Poling

  2. Department of Special Education & Literacy Studies, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

    Rena VanDerwall & Kristal Ehrhardt

Authors
  1. Katarina Rotta
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  2. Rena VanDerwall
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  3. Kristal Ehrhardt
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  4. Alan Poling
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alan Poling .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA

    Justin B. Leaf

  2. Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA

    Joseph H. Cihon

  3. Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA

    Julia L. Ferguson

  4. The EPIC Programs, Paramus, NJ, USA

    Peter F. Gerhardt

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© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

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Rotta, K., VanDerwall, R., Ehrhardt, K., Poling, A. (2022). Pharmacological Interventions for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In: Leaf, J.B., Cihon, J.H., Ferguson, J.L., Gerhardt, P.F. (eds) Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98507-3_17

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