1 in 50
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about 1 in 50 children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
Direct answer
No medication treats autism itself; medicines are sometimes used for co-occurring concerns such as irritability, ADHD, anxiety or sleep. OHIP+ covers medicines on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary for eligible people 24 and under, and ODB covers eligible groups, so check your coverage and talk to your prescriber before starting, changing or stopping anything.
Ontario: OHIP+ · Ontario: Ontario Drug Benefit · Health Canada: Drug Product Database · Verified 2026-10-14
Date:
What Medication Can and Cannot Do
Understanding the role of medication in autism care is essential before starting any prescription. Medication may be used alongside behavioural, communication, or other supports when a qualified prescriber considers it appropriate.
What Medication Can Help With
- May help with irritability or unsafe behaviours for some people
- May help with attention or impulsivity when ADHD symptoms are present
- May be considered for anxiety, panic, sleep, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms
- May support mood symptoms when a co-occurring mood disorder is assessed
- May make other supports more accessible for some people; response varies
What Medication Cannot Do
- Treat or cure autism itself, no such medication exists
- Replace behavioural therapy, OT, speech therapy, or other supports
- Improve social skills or communication directly
- Eliminate sensory processing differences
- Work as a long-term standalone solution without regular review
- Be changed or stopped without a prescriber-led follow-up plan
- Guarantee the same response in every individual, effects vary widely
Common Medications by Target Symptom
The following medications are commonly used in Ontario for autistic individuals. This is not a complete list. Prescribing decisions are individualized based on the person's specific symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
Irritability, Aggression & Self-Injury
Antipsychotics (Atypical)
Some products in this class have product-specific regulatory indications; confirm the current monograph and target symptom with the prescriber.
Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Product-specific indication and age limits vary; check the current monograph
- May be considered for irritability-related symptoms after clinical assessment
- Available as tablet, liquid, and orally dissolving tablet
- Common side effects: weight gain, sedation, increased appetite
- Ask the prescriber which metabolic monitoring is appropriate
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Product-specific indication and age limits vary; check the current monograph
- Side-effect profiles differ; discuss risks and monitoring with the prescriber
- May cause restlessness (akathisia) in some individuals
- Available as tablet and liquid formulation
- Common side effects: weight gain, sedation, increased appetite
ADHD Symptoms: Attention, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity
ADHD Medications
ADHD may co-occur with autism (see autism and ADHD together). Stimulants and non-stimulants are both used, though response and side effects vary by person and should be reviewed with a prescriber.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Biphentin, Concerta)
Stimulant- First-line for ADHD symptoms in many cases
- Immediate and extended-release formulations available
- Ask the prescriber when and how effects will be reviewed
- Side effects: appetite suppression, sleep difficulties, irritability
Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Non-Stimulant- Extended-release alpha-2 agonist
- Useful when stimulants cause significant side effects
- Review timing varies; follow the prescriber’s plan
- Side effects: sedation, low blood pressure
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Non-Stimulant- Non-controlled substance; preferred in some situations
- Review timing varies; follow the prescriber’s plan
- Side effects: nausea, appetite changes, mood changes
- Ask the prescriber how to stop safely; do not change the prescription independently
Anxiety, OCD & Depression
SSRIs and Anxiolytics
Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms may co-occur with autism. The decision and monitoring plan should be individualized with a prescriber.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft), commonly prescribed for anxiety and OCD
- Escitalopram (Cipralex), well-tolerated, used for anxiety
- Review timing varies; follow the prescriber’s plan
- Ask the prescriber how to stop safely; do not change the prescription independently
- Some people experience increased agitation or activation when starting; ask the prescriber how this should be monitored
Other Anxiolytics
- Buspirone, non-habit-forming option for generalized anxiety
- Clonidine, alpha-2 agonist; used for anxiety, sleep, and ADHD
- Melatonin, used for sleep onset difficulties
- Hydroxyzine, antihistamine used short-term for acute anxiety
- Benzodiazepines, generally avoided long-term due to tolerance and dependence risk
- Propranolol, sometimes used for performance anxiety or activation
Monitoring and Safety
Safe medication use requires a prescriber-led plan for expected effects, side effects, interactions, and follow-up. The appropriate checks depend on the person, medication, dose, and treatment goal.
Antipsychotic Monitoring (Risperidone / Aripiprazole)
- Before starting: Ask which health history, measurements, laboratory checks, or movement assessments are appropriate for this medication
- During treatment: Agree on what to monitor, which side effects need prompt attention, and how results will be shared
- At follow-up: Review response, side effects, dose, interactions, and whether continuing remains appropriate with the prescriber
ADHD Medication Monitoring
- Before starting: Ask which health history, measurements, and symptom measures are appropriate for this medication
- After a change: Agree on how to review symptom response, side effects, interactions, and any dose change
- At follow-up: Review growth, blood pressure, symptoms, and whether continuing remains appropriate with the prescriber
Source: Canadian Paediatric Society, ADHD in children and youth: Part 3 (2018, reaffirmed 2024)
Ontario Drug Coverage Programs
Ontario has several programs that cover prescription medication costs. Eligibility depends on age, income, and existing drug benefit coverage.
Access and coverage
Confirm the current route
Access to developmental pediatrics varies by region and referral route. Confirm the current intake estimate directly. Coverage depends on the medication, eligibility, and current program rules. Use the official links below to confirm the formulary and application requirements.
| Program | Who and what it covers | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OHIP+Ontario Health Insurance Plan (Under 25) | Covers most prescription drugs on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary at no cost for Ontarians under 25 who do not have another drug benefit plan. |
| OHIP+: Learn More |
| ODBOntario Drug Benefit Program | Covers prescription drugs for eligible groups including Ontario Works recipients, ODSP recipients, Trillium Drug Program registrants, and others. |
| ODB: Learn More |
| TrilliumTrillium Drug Program | Helps Ontario residents of any age with high drug costs relative to their household income. |
| Trillium: Learn More |
Working with Your Prescriber
In Ontario, several types of medical professionals can prescribe medications for autism-related conditions. Building a collaborative relationship with your prescriber makes it easier to review goals, benefits, side effects, and next steps.
Types of Prescribers in Ontario
- Developmental Pediatrician
- Most specialized for autism medication management. Conducts formal assessments and coordinates care. Ask the centre about current referral and intake conditions.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
- Specializes in mental health co-occurring conditions. Can manage complex medication regimens and provide psychiatric assessment. Access through hospital outpatient or community programs.
- Pediatrician
- Can manage first-line medications (ADHD medications, melatonin) and refer to specialists for complex needs. Most accessible.
- Family Physician
- Can initiate and manage straightforward medications with specialist guidance. Comfort level with autism medications varies significantly.
Questions to Ask Your Prescriber
- What condition are we targeting with this medication?
- What is the expected timeline to see if it is working?
- What are the most common side effects I should watch for?
- What monitoring tests will be needed and how often?
- What is the plan if this medication does not work or causes side effects?
- Is this medication covered by OHIP+ or ODB?
- If stopping is considered, what follow-up plan is needed?
- How does this interact with any other medications my child takes?
Frequently Asked Questions
No. There is currently no medication that treats the core features of autism. Medications may be prescribed for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, irritability, sleep difficulties, or obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Product-specific approvals and age limits should be checked in the current Health Canada monograph with a prescriber.
Coverage depends on the medication and your family's eligibility. OHIP+ covers medications on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary at no cost for people 24 and under who have OHIP and no private drug plan. The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program covers eligible groups including people on ODSP and Ontario Works. The Trillium Drug Program helps eligible households with high drug costs relative to income. Check ontario.ca for the current formulary and program rules.
Risperidone can have side effects including weight or appetite changes, sedation, prolactin changes, metabolic effects, and movement-related effects. Ask the prescriber which checks are appropriate and which symptoms need prompt attention.
Pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, and family physicians may prescribe medications for autism-related conditions within their scope. Ask about current access, referral rules, and when specialist input is needed. Some families access psychiatry through hospital outpatient programs, community programs, or telehealth options.
The review schedule and expected effects vary by medication, dose, person, and treatment goal. Ask the prescriber what to monitor, when to review, which side effects need urgent attention, and what would change the plan. Do not change or stop a prescription without prescriber guidance.
Your child's health
Find a Specialist and Access Support
Medication decisions work best alongside therapy and support. Our provider directory can help you find developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other specialists across Ontario.
- Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review (2024). Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (2024)
- MCCSS Ontario Autism Program figures, May 13, 2026, obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition under Freedom of Information. Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario), obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition (May 13, 2026)
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Facts3
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91,974
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism. Timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
Last system verification: 2026-08-10. Next scheduled update: 2026-11-05.
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