Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Psychopharmacology bulletin. Report Summary

Diagnosis and Prevalence

The report discusses changes in the diagnostic criteria for ASD, which now includes two main criteria: social communication/interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of ASD has increased over the years, partially due to increased awareness among clinicians. The latest survey estimates the prevalence to be 1 in 68 individuals.

Treatment

Psychosocial Therapies

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is the most commonly used psychosocial therapy for treating core symptoms of ASD. It involves specific intervention targets and positive reinforcement. ABA has shown medium to large positive effects on intellectual functioning, language development, and social functioning.
• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): PRT is another promising intervention that is less time-intensive than ABA. It has been found to be effective in improving functional and adaptive communication skills.

Pharmacology

• Atypical Antipsychotics: Risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved medications for treating irritability associated with ASD. These medications are generally used for treating associated symptoms like irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors rather than the core symptoms of ASD.

Limitations and Recommendations

The report mentions that children and adolescents with ASD are more susceptible to adverse effects from medications, recommending low doses and slow titration. Some complementary alternative treatments have been researched but lack sufficient evidence for effectiveness.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for more rigorous, high-quality intervention studies and suggests that clinicians use clinical judgment for screening ASD in children where no concerns have been raised by parents or clinicians.