Occasionally, physical therapy may be helpful in some kids with PDD's who also suffer from hypotonia (low muscle tone) or other physical impairments.

Medications for autism are utilized as required, directed at specific treatment goals. One must take into consideration the fact that children with autism may react unexpectedly and differently than expected to any medications used. Kids who also suffer from hyperactivity (a common combination) may benefit from stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine) as indicated in our AD/HD section of the site. These may reduce hyperactivity and improve the attention span in children with PDD's as well.

Children who have a lot of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD) may benefit from SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Available in the US in liquid form are Prozac, Paxil, and Celexa. Others include Lurox and Zoloft. These are antidepressants that also have a benefit on treating OCD's by increasing serotonin concentration in the brain. These medications were studied and have shown a statistically significant improvement in some autistic symptoms compared to placebos (fake medicine). Some children, however, become more restless when exposed to the SSRI's. Still, these may be considered some of the safest medications to try.

Major tranquilizers are used in children that have very erratic, disruptive, dangerous behaviors. If prescribed at night, this may help with sleeping difficulties. These medications include Risperidal (liquid form), Zyprexa, Melleril, Haldol, and Seroquel. One must use these with caution and look out for some side effects. Weight gain is a very common side effect. Somnolence or drowsiness may also occur. Rare long-term side effects include tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder involving the oral muscles, tongue, and extremities. This may be irreversible. Liver dysfunction has also been reported.

Other medications, including some traditional antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and combinations of some anticonvulsants have also been used for autism but less commonly.

Other different treatments such as auditory integration training, vitamin and mineral treatments, and secretin injections have been anecdotally reported to be helpful, yet were never proven to make a difference and are not recommended by the American Academy of Neurology; therefore their use is controversial. One must remember that some kids with autism improve "spontaneously" without any apparent treatment. This makes it difficult to decide whether the improvement was related to a treatment or occurred spontaneously, unless studies are done in a controlled fashion and compared to placebo. Unfortunately, none of the controversial treatments wer ever proven effective in a scientific fashion.