Pharmacology

Here is a list of medications commonly used in the treatment of autism: Prozac, Risperdal, Adderall, Depakote, Zoloft, Tegretol, Mellaril, Lithobid, Wellbutrin, Haldol, Zyprexa, Anafranil, Ritalin.

But exactly what problem are we solving here?

If I were to say I was interested in playing sports, and then donned all at once a goalie mask, sweat pants, shin pads, boxing glove, wrist band, snow skis, shoulder pads, racing silks, swim goggles and a catcher’s mitt, would you not think I had gone slightly mad? At the very least, would you not think I had misunderstood the phrase “playing sports”?

There is no “treatment of autism” in that list of drugs. And yes, we have gone slightly mad.