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Atypical antipsychotics
Other common names: risperidone, aripiprazole, clozapine, ziprasidone
| At a glance: Atypical antipsychotics | |||
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Type of therapy | Medical | ||
The claim | Reduces anxiety and repetitive and hyperactive behaviour | ||
Suitable for | People with ASD | ||
Research ratingFind out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |  | ||
Warnings |
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TimeEstimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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CostEstimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
Atypical antipsychotics are a group of drugs that are traditionally prescribed to people for schizophrenia and other psychoses. For people with autism, atypical antipsychotics have been prescribed to improve behavioural symptoms such as repetitive behaviour, hyperactivity, irritability and aggression.
Some commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics for autism are aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone.
Who is it for?
These drugs are used for people with autism who show high levels of anxiety, appear irritable or nervous, or have high levels of aggressive or hyperactive behaviour.
What is it used for?
Some people believe that atypical antipsychotics can be used to treat some of the more difficult problems faced by people with autism, including aggressive behaviour, temper tantrums, hyperactive behaviour and self-injury (such as hitting themselves in the head or biting themselves).
Where does it come from?
Before atypical antipsychotics came typical antipsychotics. These were first developed in the 1950s as a treatment for serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Later, in the 1970s and 1980s, researchers started testing typical antipsychotics for use with children with autism. They were used to treat children’s behavioural symptoms, but they had some significant side effects. Atypical antipsychotics were developed to reduce these side effects.
What is the idea behind it?
In the brain, signals move along connections between brain cells with the help of receptors. Receptors are small message receivers on the outside of each brain cell, a bit like chemical antennae that pick up specific signals. Antipsychotic drugs block specific receptors in the brain, and it’s thought that this reduces the activity in these parts of the brain.
What does it involve?
The medication can be swallowed or taken as an injection. The specific medication and dosage will depend on each child’s symptoms.
A specialist medical practitioner such as a psychiatrist should monitor the person receiving the medication. Regular appointments with this professional will be needed.
Cost considerations
The cost of this therapy varies depending on the type of medication used (that is, the specific brand of drug), whether the drug is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) the drug dose or strength, and whether you hold a concession card, such as a Health Care Card.
Does it work?
Some research has shown positive effects from this therapy, but more high-quality studies are needed to weigh up any positive effects against potential long-term risks or side effects.
Who practises this method?
Your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist can prescribe atypical antipsychotics and offer you information about the potential benefits and risks of using them.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
You will need to be involved to ensure that your child takes the medication as required, and to monitor the effects of the medication.
Where can I find a practitioner?
It is best to speak to your GP, paediatrician or a psychiatrist about this therapy.
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- Last updated24-03-2010
- Last reviewed08-08-2011
Barnard A.L., Young, A.H., Pearson, J., Geddes, J. and O’Brien, G. (2002). A systematic review of the use of atypical antipsychotics in autism. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 16(1): 93-101.
Bryson, S.E., Rogers, S.J., & Fombonne, E. (2003). Autism spectrum disorders: Early detection, intervention, education, and psychopharmacological management. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 48 (8), 506–516.
Jesner, O.S., Aref-Adib, M., Coren, E (2007). Risperidone for autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD005040. DOI: 0.1002/14651858.CD005040.pub2.
McCracken, J. T., McGough, J., Shashah, B., Cronin, P., Hong, D., Aman, et al. (2002). Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems. New England Journal of Medicine 347(5): 314-21.
National Autism Center (2009). National Standards Report – Addressing the need for evidence-based practice guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Massachusetts: National Autism Center.
Ray, W.A., Chung, C.P., Murray, K.T., Hall, K., & Stein, C.M. (2009). Atypical antipsychotic drugs and the risk of sudden cardiac death[Electronic version]. New England Journal of Medicine, 360 (3), 225-235.
Roberts, J.M.A., and Prior, M. (2006). A review of the research to identify the most effective models of practice in early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Australia.
Stachnik, J. and Nunn-Thompson, C. (2007). Use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of autistic disorder. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 41(4): 626-634.
