Medical treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children: Current evidence, controversies, and clinical challenges

doi:10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.117274

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World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics

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2219-2808

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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Copyright: ©Author(s) 2026. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. No commercial re-use. See permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.

World J Clin Pediatr. Jun 9, 2026; 15(2): 117274
Published online Jun 9, 2026. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.117274

Table 9 Summary decision matrix for common associated disorders frequently met in children with autism spectrum disorder

Primary symptom	1^st line intervention	2^nd line/alternative	Monitoring key
Irritability/aggression	Aripiprazole or risperidone	Valproate, cannabidiol	Weight, glucose, lipids, prolactin (risperidone)
Hyperactivity	Methylphenidate	Guanfacine, atomoxetine	Irritability, sleep, appetite
Anxiety/depression	CBT (behavioral)	Sertraline or fluoxetine	Behavioral activation (agitation)
Core social deficits	Behavioral therapy	Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 (probiotic)	Nonspecific
Language/speech	Speech therapy	High-dose folinic acid (if FRAA+)	Sleep disturbance (excitement)

CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy; FRAA: Folate receptor-α autoantibodies.

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Citation: Elbeltagi YM, Abd Rab El Rasool AO, Elkashlan AM, Al-Beltagi M. Medical treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children: Current evidence, controversies, and clinical challenges. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(2): 117274
URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/2219-2808/full/v15/i2/117274.htm
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.117274

Elbeltagi YM, Abd Rab El Rasool AO, Elkashlan AM, Al-Beltagi M. Medical treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children: Current evidence, controversies, and clinical challenges. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(2): 117274 [PMID: 42220936 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.117274]

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