Risperidone approved for the treatment of serious behavioral problems in children with autism

Introduction Autism is a developmental disorder of early childhood onset characterized by significant delays in socialization and communication as well as repetitive patterns of behavior (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). In recognition of the potential public health consequences of inadequate treatment of serious behavioral problems in children with autism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of risperidone for the treatment of these behaviors. Research Units on Pediatrie Psychopharmacology Autism Network The Research Units on Pediatrie Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network is a federally funded consortium of centers that was established in 1997 to develop and test treatments for children with autism and related conditions.