My son has Autism & I think he might have ADHD/ADD. I guess I am wondering if I should try to put him on medicine. He is already on a medication for his anxiety. I just don't know if the ADHD medicaionor ADD medication will make the Autism better or worse. Any suggestions.
Ok. Good luck Brenda. I am going to talk to his doctor next time we go in & we are going to try the ADD/ADHD medications. If it doesn't work or makes things worse we are going to stop. If it works we will just keep him on the medications.
Our doctor said that treating ADHD/ADD with even a small does of medication can make a HUGE impact on the Autistic behaviors and even the anxiety. So if you treat the ADHD you might not need the anxiety meds.
I agree with what LeaDuncan said. Many of the symptom overlap. In my opinion, do a lot of research, ask a lot of questions and look at all your options. You can always try a new or different med at some point in the future. Explore your options.
Normally ADD/ADHD are not a separate diagnosis. Because ADD/ADHD and Asperger's (austism) are linked. Not separated. It is either one or the other, however symptoms may be alike it is all the same disorder group. The name attached to it depends on the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the severity of the symptoms and what you can do to help him.
I'm in the same boat - however mine is on ADD meds. His anxiety makes him hyper-focus on other things, thus giving him attention problems. If we can ever get the anxiety under control that might help - but that is a work-in-progress.