pharmacological therapy is a real help?

I was a social worker in a specialist mental health and learning disability service some years ago. Many of the adults I worked with were autistic - mostly undiagnosed. Properly prescribed medication can sometimes be of therapeutic value, particularly when used as part of a multi-dimensional strategy. There is no medication for autism itself of course, drugs are prescribed for associated conditions like anxiety, depression or epilepsy. 

It is always worth doing your own research about side effects of prescribed medication - in my experience this information is rarely discussed in sufficient detail for an informed decision to be made. Due to possible sensitivity to medication and atypical reactions prescribing for autistic people needs to be cautious, with frequent medical checks, especially in the early stages. How does your son feel about medication? It is important that he makes an informed choice about this. 

I developed extreme anxiety last year after my much loved dog died and I was bullied at work. The psychologist who diagnosed me autistic (in Nov 2018) encouraged me to try medication alongside other interventions. I took Propanalol (a Beta-blocker) to switch off unpleasant symptoms of anxiety while I did psychological therapy and sorted out work related problems. I found it very helpful for a few weeks. I don't take it all the time now, just when I feel particularly anxious or stressed. 

Unfortunately medication has sometimes been used to suppress behaviours that autistic people find helpful, like stimmimg, because other people feel uncomfortable about them. Stimmimg (echolalia is a verbal form) can be an effective way of reducing anxiety. It is worth encouraging your son to understand and reduce the causes of stress in his life if this appears to be an issue for him. Although medication might be part of the answer, at least in the short term, it is important to consider causal factors, and lifestyle issues, not just treat symptoms. 

I can't comment on rates of young autistic people taking medication but there may be recent research which contains relevant information. I am sure other parents on the forum will offer insights too.

Very best wishes to you and your son. 

I was a social worker in a specialist mental health and learning disability service some years ago. Many of the adults I worked with were autistic - mostly undiagnosed. Properly prescribed medication can sometimes be of therapeutic value, particularly when used as part of a multi-dimensional strategy. There is no medication for autism itself of course, drugs are prescribed for associated conditions like anxiety, depression or epilepsy. 

It is always worth doing your own research about side effects of prescribed medication - in my experience this information is rarely discussed in sufficient detail for an informed decision to be made. Due to possible sensitivity to medication and atypical reactions prescribing for autistic people needs to be cautious, with frequent medical checks, especially in the early stages. How does your son feel about medication? It is important that he makes an informed choice about this. 

I developed extreme anxiety last year after my much loved dog died and I was bullied at work. The psychologist who diagnosed me autistic (in Nov 2018) encouraged me to try medication alongside other interventions. I took Propanalol (a Beta-blocker) to switch off unpleasant symptoms of anxiety while I did psychological therapy and sorted out work related problems. I found it very helpful for a few weeks. I don't take it all the time now, just when I feel particularly anxious or stressed. 

Unfortunately medication has sometimes been used to suppress behaviours that autistic people find helpful, like stimmimg, because other people feel uncomfortable about them. Stimmimg (echolalia is a verbal form) can be an effective way of reducing anxiety. It is worth encouraging your son to understand and reduce the causes of stress in his life if this appears to be an issue for him. Although medication might be part of the answer, at least in the short term, it is important to consider causal factors, and lifestyle issues, not just treat symptoms. 

I can't comment on rates of young autistic people taking medication but there may be recent research which contains relevant information. I am sure other parents on the forum will offer insights too.

Very best wishes to you and your son.