Some researchers believe the relationship between autism and GI problems is a clue to the cause of autism. Others simply note that many kids with autism have stomach troubles.
Regardless, if you have an autistic child who also has digestive issues it’s important to treat their symptoms and so make sure they eat healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Whether changes in diet and nutrition can really help cure autism is still debatable. Treating GI problems, however, may help make it easier for children to be more receptive to school, therapy, and social interaction.
Anticonvulsant medications such as Tegretol (carbamazepine), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Topamax (topiramate), and Depakote (valproic acid) are effective at controlling seizures although some can have serious side effects.
Lack of sleep can make daytime symptoms of autism worse. Melatonin, a hormone-based supplement, can help people with autism fall asleep. It’s not clear, though, that it makes much of a difference in helping them stay asleep through the night.
However, some experts believe mood disorders in conjunction with autism may be caused by physical differences in the autistic brain. Mood disorders can be treated with medication, cognitive psychology, and behavior management.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another mental health disorder that is more common among people with autism than it is in the general population. Some autism symptoms such as repetitive behaviors and extremely narrow interests, also are characteristic of OCD, so it can be hard to distinguish between the two disorders.
If you suspect a loved one with autism is also suffering from mental illness, it’s critically important to find a mental health expert with solid experience treating people on the autism spectrum.
Sometimes, medications that help with ADHD, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) can children with autism to behave appropriately and to be able to focus. More likely to be helpful are changes in the environment that lessen sensory distractions and external irritants and support focus.
