Treating
Autism With Prednisone
This area of the website is intended to help parents
with the decision to use prednisone in treating autism
and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, which includes Pervasive
Developmental Disorder (PDD) and related conditions,
specifically to restore speech and language functioning.
This is a parent's page, not a medical reference
site. It is intended to be accurate without too much
medical jargon. For the purpose of this page, "autism"
will also include Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Prednisone and Autism
To date, prednisone appears to be one of the only medications
that has a high rate of success in treating the underlying
cause of speech loss or lack of speech in autism. Prednisone
is not a new drug; has been used for almost 50 years
for a variety of diseases. Its side effects are very
well understood. However, its use for treating autism
is still in the early stages.
The use of prednisone in autism is still experimental,
and has not been clinically studied in a scientific
manner. No "random placebo-controlled crossover"
studies have been carried out, nor have there been any
long term follow-up studies of children who have received
prednisone for autism. To date, its effectiveness and
safety are known only through only anecdotal evidence
from parents and doctors, based on individual accounts
or small sample sizes. There is no way at this time
to predict whether prednisone could be helpful or harmful
for any given child.
Other Notes of Importance
This web page was written in cooperation with neurologists
and parents who have graciously donated their time and
effort to share their experience and knowledge, but
we are not responsible for any errors.
Prednisone is a very strong medication, and MUST be
administered under a physician's prescription and close
surveillance. Treatment should start with several tests
to provide a baseline from which to measure the results.
Treatment with prednisone is not a stand-alone intervention
for autism. Parents MUST also pursue appropriate interventions
such as behavioral therapy, speech and occupational
therapy where needed, and should not rule out dietary
interventions. Other medications may be called for as
well (e.g., Prozac, Clonidine), though the neurologist
may wait to use other medications until treatment with
prednisone is finished, or may recommend continuing
with medications already in use.
Other Ahead with Autism Resources
For further definitions and explanations about autism
and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, please visit our About
Autism page or the Resources
section.
Questions or comments about Prednisone and Autism?
Email us at prednisone@aheadwithautism.com.
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Prednisone
and Autism