Antipsychotics can be very effective for irritability in autism, but they are often unnecessary, and the side effects are truly problematic. Don’t be the prescriber who hears irritability in autism and immediate prescribes antipsychotics. There are usually multiple steps to try before using the FDA approved antipsychotic medications.

Autistic kids and teens can become despondent or suicidal. When this happens, we need to take it as seriously as with anyone else. We interviewed Dr. Paul Lipkin who has truly useful tips to help us modify our assessment to communicate effectively back and forth to address the problem.

We interviewed Hanni Flaherty to learn how to talk with patients and families about non-suicidal self-injury. Learn how to assess and intervene with NSSI, including ideas for supporting autonomy while addressing the behavior.

This clinical update covers the psychogenic effects and risks of four readily accessible, legally available, and commonly misused over-the-counter medications. Our patients misuse these medications which have potential for real harm, including drug-drug interactions with prescribed medications.