A lot more needs to be known than what this article offers. I do hope it's used judiciously.

http://phoenix.cox.net/cci/newsnatio...alidatearticle

FDA Approves Drug Approved to Treat to Treat Aggression, Other Symptoms of Autism in Children
10-06-2006 6:37 PM
WASHINGTON -- A Johnson & Johnson drug received expanded federal approval Friday to treat aggression and other symptoms of autism in children.

The new use for Risperdal is to treat irritability associated with autistic disorder, including temper tantrums, deliberate self-injury and aggression in children and adolescents, ages 5 to 16.

The approval is the first for the use of a drug to treat behaviors associated with autism in children, the Food and Drug Administration said.

Risperdal, first approved by the FDA in 1993, has been used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults.

The anti-psychotic drug is not a cure for autism, nor does it treat the condition itself, but it may provide relief for some children, according to Johnson & Johnson.

Autism is a complex developmental disability. It typically appears during a child's first three years of life, and it affects communication, social interaction and creative or imaginative play.

"This approval should benefit many autistic children as well as their parents and other caregivers," said Dr. Steven Galson, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Two eight-week trials involving 156 children between the ages of 5 and 16 showed that those given Risperdal achieved significantly improved scores for certain behavioral symptoms of autism compared to those given dummy pills, the FDA said.

In 2005, the FDA declined to expand its approval of Risperdal, also known as risperidone, to include autism.

The most common side effects of Risperdal include drowsiness, constipation, fatigue and weight gain.

Please don't take this wrong, but is there going to be any kids left not being drugged? It's just my skeptial, cycnical, conspiracy finding (the drug companies getting rich) nature.....
Not meaning to offend.

I see you have another post that research is being done into the cause of Autism. I hope they finally get to the bottom of it. Something sure is going on.

__________________
The mighty oak started out as a nut that held its ground.

I agree that this does get to be a sensitive subject to the parents of autistic children. It is my personal opinion that I really don't care any longer why or what caused the autism in my dear son. I would want to to know to prevent it in other children and find a cure. For those who are already affected by autism, all the tests in the world won't change the fact that they have autism. I pray for a cure in the future or prevention.

For now, It is no ones fault, it is what it is. JMO respectfully, April

I was actually going to make a remark about hoping they don't use this drug as a crutch, as my son's preschool teacher suggested I put him on drugs for ADHD, which he doesn't even have! If a drug is needed, I think it's great that it's available. I know many a kid where it did actually help, and the kids themselves recognize how more focused they are with it. I'm grateful they have it. I just don't want it forced where therapy can work instead.

I do support the research for the causes, because that's the way we can find prevention, and hopefully, a cure.