Autism Therapy: impulsivity

definition of impulsivity: Impulsivity is an action without the thought or understanding of consequences. Impulsivity or lack of self-control may be an issue in children with autism. Impulse control problems may be overcome with therapy, or a child may grow out of it naturally.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders: Etiology and Pharmacotherapy
Current Drug Therapy, by Mohammedi, M. - R., and Akhondzadeh S., published in 2007, summarized Dec 19, 2008

This paper reviews the different drug therapies for autism.

For example, antipsychotics have been used as an autism treatment to decrease aggression and help with impulse control. Lithium has been shown to help with mood in adults with autism and manic problems. Propranolol (a beta blocker drug) has been shown to help severe aggression. Clonidine may help with hyperactivity and irritability in patients with autism. The authors conclude by stating that drug therapy should only be used to help with behavior and treat certain symptoms that are common in people with autism.


What is New in Autism?
Current Opinion in Neurology, by Rapin, I., and Tuchman RF, published in 2008, summarized Aug 4, 2008

Increased research in the basic biology of social knowledge may help to find better treatments for autism.

This review article highlights the latest science on the brain and autism. A lot of current research focuses on differences between the brains of people with autism and those without autism. Most treatments for autism are either behavioral such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) or educational. The hope is that improved social skills at an early age will result in an increased understanding of complex behavior as the child ages. Most autism drug therapy does not help core features of autism, but rather targets certain symptoms of autism such as anxiety, lack of attention, and impulsivity.


Open-Label Atomoxetine for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Associated with High-Functioning Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, by Posey, DJ, Weigand RE, Wilkerson J., Maynard M., Stigler KA, and McDougle CJ, published in 2006, summarized Jan 25, 2007

Atomoxetine may help children who have autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The study was designed to see if atomoxetine can be used to treat problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can sometimes be found in children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). The study included only 17 children (ages 6-17). The children showed an improvement in the general symptoms of autism (Clinical Global Impressions Severity). They also showed some improvements in behavior (Aberrant Behavior Checklist). The authors suggest that atomoxetine may work for children who cannot take other drugs that are commonly used to treat ADHD (stimulants).


Atomoxatine for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Pilot Study
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, by Troost, PW, Steenhuis M. - P., Tuynman-Qua HG, Kalverdijk LJ, Buitelaar JK, Minderaa RB, and Hoekstra PJ, published in 2006, summarized Jan 16, 2007

Children with autism may be more sensitive to the side effects of atomoxetine and therefore it may be better for them to receive lower doses of the drug.

This study was designed to test whether atomoxetine is an effective treatment for attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity sometimes seen in children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). This was a prospective study which means that children (aged 6-17) were brought into the study, their basic symptoms were studied and then they were given atomoxetine. The study was small and all children (and parents and doctors) knew that all children were getting atomoxetine. Of the 12 children in the study, 5 stopped taking atomoxetine because they did not like the side effects. The authors report that atomoxetine could be a good therapy for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with PDD.


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Music Therapy Proves that the Beat Goes On for Children with Autism

Nov 16, 2007

Several schools in New York, through the Music Therapy Institute provide music therapy for children with autism. As children at Stepping Stones and Heartsong listen to music, they participate by drumming on their knees to the beat and singing. Their social interaction is increased and their speech and impulse control improves. Music therapy can include "tactile stimulation and body awareness, as well as the teaching of colors, numbers and patterns."

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    • Synonyms for impulsivity include: impulse control
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