Prednisone
Effectiveness
Anecdotal evidence from some neurologists indicates
that between 50%-80% of autistic children treated with
prednisone show a distinct improvement in speech / language
capability. Some children will improve, then show a
partial regression during the later phases of treatment
or afterwards (i.e., not all the way back), though a
second treatment often helps.
There is not enough statistical data to determine a
"profile" of the best candidates. Children
with Autistic Spectrum Disorders can be divided as follows:
|
Delayed
development from birth |
Regression
in development after birth |
Abnormal
EEG |
 |
| Normal
EEG |
The darker the shading, the more experience to date
in treatment with prednisone.
Prednisone was initially used within the autistic spectrum
for children diagnosed with LKS or variant accompanied
by regression in development, so the most experience
is with them. Only in the past 5-6 years has prednisone
been used on autistic children with normal EEGs.
New EEGs (e.g., MEEGs) and other techniques further
refining the definition of "normal" EEG. In
fact, the difference between autistic children with
"normal" and "abnormal" EEGs is
narrowing and may ultimately be nonexistent.
Age: There is some indication that the earlier
the treatment, the more effective; however, many positive
experiences have been reported in older children. A
child's brain development is a succession of time-dependent
processes that provides "windows of opportunity"
for correction or amelioration of abnormalities that
may become less responsive with time. You must also
remember that the earlier you start treatment after
diagnosis, the sooner the speech and language can improve,
so the more time you have to bring the child closer
to normal development through speech / behavioral therapies.
- High-functioning versus lower-functioning: statistical
data inconclusive
- There is no indication that gender, race, or other
factors influence its effectiveness.
- There is no data to indicate whether one protocol
is more effective than another
- Much more research is needed to answer these questions.
Questions or comments about Prednisone and Autism?
Email us at prednisone@aheadwithautism.com.
|
Prednisone
and Autism