Effectiveness of combining medication and behavioral intervention for reducing behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder

Background and aims: Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that impresses on social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and stereotyped behavioral patterns. The aim of this study was to examine whether risperidone plus Pivotal response treatment would be superior to risperidone only on behavioral problems. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with case-control. Thirty four children diagnosed with ASD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) was randomly divided into two groups: A RIS treatment group (n=18) and a RIS plus PRT (n=16). Behavioral problems were evaluated with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Assessment of ABC was performed in three phases, immediately before, after of the treatments and following (3 months after of the treatments). Results: Results showed ABC scores were decreased in both groups after 3 months compared with the scores prior to treatment (P<0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in following measures of the ABC's subscale between the two groups, in expect of stereotypic behavior subscale (P=0.017). Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Covarience, and Repeated measured t-test. Conclusion: Medication can reduce behavioral problems in children with ASD. Treatment with RIS combined with PRT may result in reducing inappropriate speech in children with autism than RIS training alone. Therefore, the combination of RIS plus PRT is recommended for controlling and treating this disorder.