Risperdal: Can it treat autism behaviors?

Q: My 12-year-old son has Asperger's syndrome. He has many nervous tics, including rocking, fidgeting and shaking things. I've read that a small dose of Risperdal may help. But his doctor is reluctant to prescribe it for him. What are your thoughts on Risperdal as a treatment for Asperger's?

Pam / Michigan

Risperidone (Risperdal) is a psychotropic medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating irritability in children and adolescents with autism. Risperdal has not been specifically tested or approved for Asperger's syndrome. However, some doctors may prescribe it for certain behavior symptoms that may be seen in children or adolescents with Asperger's syndrome.

Risperdal is approved to treat specific behaviors that may occur with autism, including:

• Aggression
• Self-injury
• Tantrums
• Mood swings

It hasn't been approved for the behaviors — rocking, fidgeting and shaking things — that you describe.

Also, you should be aware that Risperdal has potential side effects, including increased appetite and weight gain, fatigue, increased saliva or dry mouth, constipation, rapid heart rate, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, and movement disorders, such as restlessness, tremors, muscle stiffness and involuntary movements.

Unfortunately, there are currently no medications that specifically treat the core social and communication problems that occur in children and adolescents with either autism or Asperger's syndrome. However, some medications may improve certain behavioral symptoms that may occur in children and adolescents with autism or Asperger's syndrome, such as anxiety, depression or hyperactivity. Also, behavior therapy and communication and social skills training may be helpful for people with Asperger's syndrome.