Date of Award

Spring 2022

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kevin Basile, MD, PT

Abstract

Behavioral, educational, and family therapies combined with early recognition and intervention is the current standard for management of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite these interventions, many children still retain behavioral disturbances that negatively impact their quality of life. Researchers have estimated more than 50% of adolescents with ASD are prescribed medications to help them manage behaviors or comorbid conditions, over half of whom experience psychotropic polypharmacy. Only risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved for ASD patients, although numerous medications are used "off-label" and in combination to treat behavioral disturbances. There is limited research supporting greater therapeutic benefits than side effects of other atypical antipsychotics, SSRIs, SNRIs, stimulants, and TCAs for ASD management. The studies currently available have shown possible efficacy for "off-label" drugs, but the evidence is far from comprehensive or conclusive. Further clinical investigation is needed in order to develop standards of care for the use of psychotropic pharmaceuticals to treat maladaptive behaviors associated with ASD.

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Capstone Video Recording

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The Role of Pharmacologic Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Behavioral, educational, and family therapies combined with early recognition and intervention is the current standard for management of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite these interventions, many children still retain behavioral disturbances that negatively impact their quality of life. Researchers have estimated more than 50% of adolescents with ASD are prescribed medications to help them manage behaviors or comorbid conditions, over half of whom experience psychotropic polypharmacy. Only risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved for ASD patients, although numerous medications are used "off-label" and in combination to treat behavioral disturbances. There is limited research supporting greater therapeutic benefits than side effects of other atypical antipsychotics, SSRIs, SNRIs, stimulants, and TCAs for ASD management. The studies currently available have shown possible efficacy for "off-label" drugs, but the evidence is far from comprehensive or conclusive. Further clinical investigation is needed in order to develop standards of care for the use of psychotropic pharmaceuticals to treat maladaptive behaviors associated with ASD.