US Pharm. 2007;32(12):47-58.

Presently, there is no drug on the market with an FDA-approved indication to treat specifically autistic disorder (AD).1 Nonpharmacologic therapies are always first-line treatment; however, in severe cases, medication may be required to treat aggressive behavior toward oneself or others. AD is a complex disease with neurologic and psychological components. Many patients have related conditions, such as epilepsy, that must be treated with drug therapy. For optimal pharmacologic therapy, agents must be selected that target behaviors affecting the safety of the patient and the caregiver. Selected agents also must be safe and appropriate for the patient