RISK FACTORS: Certain medical conditions, including fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU), Sibling with autism
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE:
Comprehensive structured educational programming of a sustained and intensive design
GENERAL MEASURES:
β’ There is currently no cure for autism. Early diagnosis and initiation of multiple disciplinary intervention will
help enhance functioning in later life.
β’ Treatment goals: to improve language and social skills, decrease problem behaviors, foster independence and provide support for parents
β’ Consider consults: ophthalmology, otolaryngology, lead screening and metabolic testing, genetic screening,
skin testing (for tuberous sclerosis) and others as needed
β’ Parent support groups and respite programs
DRUG OF CHOICE : NONE
ALTERNATIVE DRUGS:
β’ Stimulant medications may be used to address concomitant symptoms of attention defi cit disorder, such as
impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention
β’ SSRI antidepressants, such as fl uoxetine and sertraline have shown some help in reducing ritualistic behavior and improving moods
β’ Clomipramine (Anafranil), a tricyclic antidepressant, has been reported to decrease some forms Of Self-injurious behavior, obsessive/compulsive symptoms and compulsive, aggressive behavior
β’ Buspirone (BuSpar) has in some individuals reduced hyperactivity and stereotyped behavior
β’ Neuroleptics have been used with limited effectiveness
β’ Risperidone (Risperdal) in low doses has helped socialization in some case reports
β’ Gabapentin (Neurontin) is being used but no studies exist
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
β’ Increasing incidents of seizure disorders
β’ Increased risk for physical and sexual abuse in autistic
children
EXPECTED COURSE/PROGNOSIS:
β’ Those who begin treatment at a young age have signifi cantly better outcomes
β’ Prognosis is closely related to initial intellectual abilities with only 20% functioning above the mentally retarded level
β’ Communicative language development before age five is also associated with a better outcome
β’ The general expected course is for a life-long need of supervised structured care. Only 1-2% become
independent.