Drug helps treat autism symptoms

Chicago Parent Staff
Thursday, February 11, 2010

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Read more in our Special Needs section

The FDA has approved a new drug to treat irritability associated with autism. Abilify, generically called aripiprazole, can help with symptoms that include aggression, self-injury, tantrums or quick mood changes in children between the ages of 6 and 17.

Abilify, which also has been found to help patients with schizophrenia, manic episodes from bipolar disorder and depression, can be a useful addition to an autism treatment program that also incorporates psychological, educational and social interventions.

For more information about the drug and whether it can work for your child, talk with your child's doctor.

This article appeared in the Spring 2010 edition of Chicago Special Parent.