When starting a treatment plan for an autistic person, doctors will usually look at different medicines that can help out. Because an autistic person can display different symptoms, the medication plan is going to be different for every person. There is no medicine that is going to cure autism, but medication is used to lessen the symptoms to help people live full, functional lives.

Parents may not want to start their children on medication right away when there is diagnosis of autism. This is understandable because some people don't want to have their children go through a lifestyle of taking pills daily. There are other options to consider. Alternative treatments have been in the works that includes changing a child's diet or offering them natural treatments. Another aspect that is extremely important is the child's education. Teachers and educators have to be willing to teach lessons based on your autistic child's need. This may mean revising lesson plans or integrating certain aspects into the lessons.

Unfortunately, there is no single treatment that is going to help people with autism. Usually, treatment plans involve multiple facets including self-education, diet plans, positive reinforcement and medication.

Here is a look at the types of medication a person with autism might have to take:

1. Antipsychotic: These types of medications are used for behavioral problems. This can include a variety of problems such as aggression, tantrums or insomnia. This medication should not be the first option for the child. Behavioral therapy should be sought out and tried before resorting to these types of pills.

2. Anticonvulsant: This is to help control seizures if an autistic person suffers from them.

3. Anti-anxiety and Depression: Autistic children have a hard time controlling their feelings. Sometimes they laugh and cry without being prompted. These medications are used to control those feelings and random outbursts. However, these medications have some serious side effects. If your child does take these, watch for odd behavioral changes, ones that weren't present before the medication began.

4. Sedative: If your autistic child suffers from insomnia or other sleeping disorders, a doctor may prescribed a sedative to help the child sleep better. There are natural alternatives that you may want to seek out before trying sedatives.

5. Stimulant: Some children who suffer from autism are hyperactive and these medications are used to help children focus better. This is often used when a child becomes school-aged to help them to pay attention and help with their education. This medication is useful for those children who can't seem to stay focused on any certain areas.

Medicine should be a last resort for parents when treating their children. You don't want the children to become dependent on the medication. Another problem with medicines is that it may control the issue, but have side effects that cause new problems. You also want to discuss long-term side effects with the doctor.

If you notice the medication is not helping, talk to the doctor. Your doctor may prescribed an alternative medication or try a different course of action. It's important to keep the lines of communication open with your child's doctor because this will help in getting the best treatment plan for your child.