Drugs for Autism Treatment: A Complex Issue

Drugs for Autism? Dr. Yim Offers a Drug-free Alternative Treatment for Patients in Hawaii

When you have a child with autism, the symptoms can be overwhelming. And often, doctors will prescribe drugs for autism symptoms as part of an overall treatment plan. These medications can help minimize certain behaviors so that the individual with autism can focus on things like learning and communication.

However, despite hundreds of clinical trials and dozens of drugs tested, there is no medicine that can cure autism or treat all of its symptoms. In fact, the FDA has only approved two drugs to treat symptoms associated with autism. These are risperidone and aripiprazole, and they work to treat autism-related irritability. But in addition, many other medications are prescribed as well.

But it’s not just these drugs—many children with autism take multiple drugs for their autism-related symptoms. And they can cause a wide variety of side effects or may end up not working at all.

In fact, Scientific American discusses some of the other drugs that doctors may prescribe to children with autism:

Other times, due to moves or changes in coverage or just a lack of rapport, people on the spectrum end up seeing multiple doctors, all of whom have their own ideas about treatment and may add a new drug without removing another.

The reason for this confusion: No existing medication treats the underlying condition.

The core characteristics of autism include repetitive behaviors, difficulty with social interactions and trouble communicating. Therapy can help, but no medication so far can improve these problems. Instead, drugs merely treat some of the peripheral features — ADHD, irritability, anxiety, aggression, self-injury — that make life challenging for people with autism.”

The Problems with Taking Multiple Drugs for Autism Symptoms

When treating a child with autism, doctors often prescribe a different drug for each individual symptom. Examples include:

• stimulants to improve focus
• SSRIs (antidepressants) for depression
• antipsychotics for aggression

And the list goes on. Unfortunately, however, these drugs can have serious side effects, which can lead to the next problem: prescribing drugs to deal with those side effects. As an example, antipsychotics can cause weight gain, which a doctor may then choose to treat with another prescription. You can see that this can lead you down the path of more and more medications with no actual solution.

Again, medications have their place, and certainly are important when your child can’t focus long enough to get results from other forms of therapy. However, sometimes no matter what you try, and despite all the best efforts of doctors and therapists, you’re not seeing the results in your child that you hoped for.

But what if there were another solution?

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More.

(808) 754-1027

Or fill in the form below and she will contact you.

A Drug-Free Alternative: MeRT for Autism Treatment

MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a safe, effective, gentle treatment for your child with autism—and this breakthrough treatment is completely drug-free. In essence, MeRT works to improve brain function and thereby reduce symptoms associated with ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

More specifically, MeRT combines transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with EEG guidance, to create a tailored treatment for your child’s unique brain. During this non-invasive treatment, your child simply sits comfortably while a trained neuro technician places a magnetic device on their head. Your child will feel absolutely no pain, just a slight sensation, as controlled magnetic fields activate distinct areas of the brain to improve their function. Additionally, this treatment takes only an hour per visit and we perform it right here in our offices.

Results from MeRT treatment will vary from patient to patient. However, in most cases, children will have better communication skills, improved social skills, and more independence. As a result, they will have a far better quality of life—and so will you!

It’s also important to note that MeRT is compatible with other forms of therapy, such as ABA, and can often speed up and improve their results.

To learn more about MeRT treatment, please visit our Autism page.

Dr. Yim Provides Compassionate Care for Your Child with Autism

For over 25 years, Dr. Gregory Yim has dedicated his professional career to helping children live better lives. He is a Board Certified Pediatrician and is also Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology.

Dr. Yim is committed to the health and wellness of all children. His compassionate care, combined with state-of-the-art MeRT therapy, means that when you come to Synapse for autism treatment, your child will be in the best possible hands.

As part of your decision-making process when considering MeRT for your child, you will meet with Dr. Yim for a free, no-obligation consultation. During this one-on-one consultation, Dr. Yim will fully explain the MeRT treatment protocols, review your child’s EEG results, and answer all your questions. In this way, you can decide together whether this is the right treatment for your child.

Find out more about Drug-Free MeRT Treatment for Autism

We know that you have likely tried many therapies and treatments, including medications, to help your child with autism. We also know that you may not be sure about MeRT or if it’s the right next step. To help you make the best decision, we offer a free phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator.

Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you, and it doesn’t cost a thing to call her and talk. In fact, it’s one of the easiest first steps you could take. During your call, she can answer any question and explain our process, protocols, and costs. She will also spend as much time with you as you need. After all, you need as much information as possible to decide if MeRT is the right treatment for your child.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More.

(808) 754-1027

Or fill in the form below and she will contact you.