SPECTRUM CONNECTION

By Jeanne Holverstott, M.S.

One of the most common co-morbid conditions within ASD is an anxiety disorder. Whether anxiety is part of the diagnostic make-up of the spectrum or whether anxiety warrants an “additional” diagnosis (hence becoming a co-morbid condition) is akin to the “chicken or the egg” dilemma. Because anxiety rears its ugly head in every way conceivable for individuals with ASD—often in ways beyond the neurotypical’s ability to comprehend—the ways in which schools target anxiety with special education services is critical to success. As most know, to qualify for any special education service that is documented on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a student must be medically diagnosed and it must be documented how this diagnosis interferes with his or her ability to learn and function within the school setting.
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By Jeanne Holverstott, M.S.

In December, the Food and Drug Administration approved the antipsychotic Abilify (aripiprazole) to treat irritability in children ages 6-17 who have an autism spectrum disorder. A group of 98 children and adolescents were randomly divided into two groups (placebo and Abilify). By week eight of the study, 52% of those taking Abilify experienced a 25% or greater improvement in autism-related irritability symptoms, including aggression, tantrums, rapidly changing moods, and self-injurious behavior, compared with 14% of those who took the placebo.
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