Anti-Psychotics for Autism Set to Flood the Market

In my ongoing research of autism treatments, I have been delighted to find that some of the most effective means of addressing autism involve reconnecting with the natural world, the physical body and the creative self.

Heartening results have been reported from a vast array of activities including yoga, gardening, dance, horseback riding and art therapy. Fun, engaging and non-invasive, these activities produce real improvements in the functionality and level of well-being of individuals with autism.

This is especially important to bear in mind in light of a disturbing press release I read yesterday addressing the “underserved” market of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by the pharmaceutical industry. A rush of enthusiasm to market atypical anti-psychotics for irritability in children with autism owes to these stated facts:

"Over the past 6 years, three major events have impacted the autism spectrum disorders market. In 2006, Risperdal became the first drug to receive approval from the US FDA for the symptomatic treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with ASDs. Later, in 2009, the FDA approval Abilify for the same indication. In 2008, generic risperidone launched following Risperdal’s US patent expiry."

The FDA is doing us no favors in allowing our children to be viewed as “market share” by these wolves at the door. I know of what I speak. In a moment of desperation when I was mistakenly told my son was psychotic and likely schizophreniac, he participated in a drug trial of risperidone which was one of the worst experiences of his life. Sedated to the point of paralysis, he screamed his head off around the clock. Against doctor’s orders, I cut short the seven-day trial. Irate, the psychiatrist was ready to try Lithium next. I told him to forget it and we never went back.

Respidone carries heavy weight long-term side effects such as tremendous weight gain, diabetes and uncontrollable muscle spasms. Abilify, which is vaunted to have fewer side effects, names headaches, anxiety and sleeplessness as being the most common, with dizziness, blurred vision, tremors and edema, among many others. These drugs yield big profits, but not to our children.

The harsh reality is that autism is now an industry and we parents, always yearning to help our children, are vulnerable to exploitation from a myriad of quarters. Like me, you may hear that atypical psychotropics are the answer to your child’s problems, but the only garden path you should be lead down is the one where you till and water the earth with your child.