This online article offers guidelines for primary care providers in addressing irritability and challenging behaviors in patients on the autism spectrum. The guidelines emphasize that, in most cases, practitioners should begin by considering whether medical problems, communication problems, environmental stressors, reinforcement, or psychiatric problems might contribute to challenging behavior. In most cases, pharmacological intervention and medication should only be considered after these have been ruled out or addressed.

American Academy of Pediatrics is “an organization of 67,000 pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults”. [Website]