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.

Clinicians use olanzapine, mirtazapine, and other appetite-inducing medications off label to treat ARFID, but with little research to support their use. This study unpacks the potential role of medications in treating comorbid symptoms associated with ARFID. 

In 2015 at my first Graphic Medicine conference (www.graphicmedicine.org), clinicians and patients spoke about the daily hurt people experience with fat shaming, some to the point of suicidality. It’s one thing to see it but another to fight it. Our interview with Dr. Sarah Nutter helps us combat weight bias.