Understanding Aspergers and ADHD Medication

Posted on March 25th, 2010

Aspergers and ADHD medication have often been linked, but the more we begin to understand the unique challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders, the more it becomes clear that treatment for the varying steps of the Autism spectrum, including Aspergers, needs to be much different than that used for ADHD.

In any discussion of Aspergers & ADHD, a line needs to be drawn to distinguish the two conditions. The difficulty in doing so is that both conditions do share some symptoms. The lack of concentration, hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsiveness which are characteristic of ADHD are often also present in children with Aspergers Syndrome. But here the similarities end.

As with most autistic children, those with Aspergers will also have other very
distinctive social development issues. An inability to maintain eye contact, lack of comprehension when it comes to using body language and other forms of social expression, making repetitive sounds or motions and intense focus on one subject are all part and parcel of life with Aspergers. For this reason, Aspergers and ADHD medication should not be directly linked, as most standard ADHD medication will be ineffective in Aspergers children.

While some use of antidepressants has been successful in treating Aspergers, generally the use of behavioral and social therapy is most effective. Despite the seemingly close connection between Aspergers & ADHD, they are, in fact, two completely different conditions and should be treated as such. Unlike more serious forms of autism, the Aspergers child usually has a high IQ and can be mainstreamed into a normal school setting if special care is taken to provide some individualized instruction.

While the use of stimulant based medications has been proven to effectively lessen the symptoms of ADHD, this doesn’t mean that an Aspergers child who also exhibits ADHD symptoms should be treated this way. In fact, the connection between Aspergers and ADHD medication is tentative at best. ADHD meds are not a “cure” for Aspergers nor should they be treated as such.

One area where Aspergers & ADHD are similar is their reaction to alternative treatments. Everything from music therapy to yoga has been used to help both Aspergers and ADHD children to focus and relax and control disruptive behavior. Also, homeopathic remedies have proven quite successful in treating both conditions. Made from a unique blend of herbs like Hyoscyamus, Arsen iod and Tuberculinum and other plant based substances, these medications specifically target the chemical and neurological imbalances which cause ADHD symptoms and have produced positive long term results.

While there is a tendency to link Aspergers and ADHD medication, it is the use of natural remedies which has proven to be most advantageous for both conditions. By using safe, gentle, natural ingredients, homeopathic remedies can ease ADHD symptoms without exposing the child to harsh side effects.

Though the word “Autism” can inspire frustration, confusion and even fear, there are successful methods of treatment, especially for higher functioning forms such as Aspergers Syndrome. A diagnosis of Aspergers does not have to be the end of the world. The important thing is understanding the differences between Aspergers and ADHD and finding the right course of treatment for your child, one that can help you both to breathe easier and enjoy life!

Another Recent Post on Asperger’s Syndrome:

My Yellow Apple: Journeys in Parenting Asperger’s Syndrome

Natalie Dalton: I am happily married to a great guy, Francis, and together we raise our beautiful children, Aiden, 5, and Margaret, 2. Together we are navigating a family life where Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism has a starring role!

Tags: asperger's syndrome, aspergers and ADHD medication
Filed under Aspergers Disease |

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