Another medication that can spark a debate quickly is Risperdal, an atypical anti-psychotic that has been recently approved by the FDA for use with autistic children and adolescents. Risperdal the first medication to be approved for the treatment of behavioral symptoms associated with autism – for things like aggression, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums.

While it’s encouraging to know that Risperdal has been determined safe for use in autistic children, truth is psychiatrists have been prescribing it for children for quite some time. Previously it has been approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Risperdal, and the rest of the “family” of atypical anti-psychotics: Abilify, Geodon, Seroquel, and Zyprexa have all be used to help children control symptoms of aggression, violence, and extreme opposition. Many families have found relief through these medications.

But they are not without their side effects, or their detractors. The most common side effect is weight gain…and it can be serious weight gain. Risperdal is a big culprit of weight gain. Our experience was that the Risperdal alone did cause weight gain, but when given in conjunction with a mood stabilizer, her weight gain and increased appetite stabilized as well. Constipation, drowsiness and fatigue are also common side effects.
One of the most serious side effects (although rare) is tardive dyskinesia

I have to admit that I have been made to feel guilty about having my daughter on Risperdal on more than one occasion. I was in an autism gathering once when I mom jumped to her feet and yelled that anyone who had their child on Risperdal was “chemically restraining their child and should be arrested for child abuse.” Pretty condemning statement, especially when the majority of the room applauded.

I am a firm believer in biomedical interventions and the use of neurodevelopmental interventions, such as neurofeedback, sensory integration therapies and neuron-redevelopment. I’m also totally aware of the money backing the pharmaceutical companies and the skewed way they have caused Americans to look at healthcare. But, when I have a headache, relieving the pain makes it easier to do what I need to do to keep myself healthy. And this is how I view these medications. If they help the child better able to help themselves, then it’s worth it.

Yes, they can have a profound effect on your body and need to be monitored closely by an experienced physician. But they can also enable a child to have the ability, strength, stamina and overall calmness to pursue healing…whether through therapy or other interventions.

USA Today – Antipsychotic Meds in the Spotlight

The New England Journal of Medicine: Risperidone in Children with Autism and Serious Behavioral Problems


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