Parents' perceptions of the use of medication with children who are autistic

摘要

We investigated parents' perceptions of the use of medication with their children who have been diagnosed with PDD/autism. Seven children referred to an outpatient behavior management clinic for children with developmental disabilities and who were currently receiving medication for behavor problems were included in the study. Perceptions were measured using a 15-item likert-type rating scale addressing general changes in the child's behavioral and physical symptomatology, parent's perceived input into pharmacological treatment decisions, and other issues pertaining to the use of medication with their child. The results of this study indicate that the parents generally felt comfortable with the concept of using medication as a treatment intervention with their children. However, these parents also held generally unfavorable attitudes regarding the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment for their children's behavior problems.