What are stimulants?
Stimulants are medicines that temporarily increase mental or physical function or both. For example, stimulants can help the brain stay more alert and focused.
Some stimulants commonly prescribed for autistic people are dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
Who are stimulants for?
Stimulants can be prescribed to people with ADHD. This includes autistic children with ADHD or ADHD-like characteristics.
What are stimulants used for?
Stimulants are used to improve difficulties with attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation and hyperactivity. For example, stimulants might help a child listen to and follow instructions more easily or pause and think before acting.
Where do stimulants come from?
Stimulant medicines have been around for over 50 years. They’ve been used to reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention in children with ADHD since the 1980s.
What is the idea behind stimulants?
Stimulant medicines increase the levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are involved in attention, motivation and self-control.
The idea is that children’s attention, motivation and self-control improve, it might be easier for them to focus, finish tasks, and plan and organise their actions.
What does using stimulants involve?
This therapy involves taking oral medicine on a daily basis. The specific medicine and dosage depends on each child’s needs.
A child will usually start with a trial dose of stimulants, which is gradually adjusted. This allows the child’s doctor to check whether the medicine is helping and whether there are any side effects.
The child will need regular appointments with the doctor who’s prescribing the stimulants. This is usually a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Do stimulants help autistic children?
Stimulants don’t change the core characteristics of autism. But some evidence suggests that stimulants can help some autistic children with ADHD pay attention and behave less impulsively. In turn, this can help them at school and in social situations.
Stimulants can have side effects. The most frequently reported side effects are decreased appetite, trouble falling asleep, stomach aches, headaches, irritability and mood changes. Occasionally, autistic children can develop tics or increased repetitive movements.
Who can prescribe stimulants?
In Australia, paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists can prescribe stimulant medicines. In certain situations, GPs can also prescribe stimulants.
These professionals can give you more information about the potential benefits and risks of stimulant medicines.
Where can you find a doctor who prescribes stimulants?
Ask your child’s GP for a referral to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who specialises in working with autistic children.
You can find psychiatrists at Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – Find a psychiatrist.
How are parents involved when autistic children are taking stimulants?
If your autistic child is taking stimulants, you need to ensure that your child takes the medicine as prescribed.
You also need to monitor the effects and side effects of the medicine in your child’s everyday life. This might include checking in with your child’s teacher to see whether the medicine is affecting them at school.
How much do stimulants cost?
The cost of this therapy varies depending on the brand of medicine used and its dose or strength. It also depends on whether the medicine is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and whether you hold a concession card like a Health Care Card.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.