| Abstract: The pioneers of Applied Behavior Analysis (e.g., Baer, Wolf, Risley, and Bijou) have used a translational approach to treat children with intellectual disabilities based on basic learning principles established in the experiment analysis of behavior. Lovaas, a proponent of applied research, promoted the Early Intensive Behavior Intervention to treat children with autism. However, medications have become an integral part of ABA interventions. To date, the FDA has approved two drugs to treat irritability associated with autism: Risperidone and Aripiprazole. Physicians also prescribe other medications off-label, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants, to treat other conditions that co-occur with autism (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity). Many parents of children with autism and other intellectual disabilities do not favor medicating their children and, as a result, have turned to complementary and alternative medicine that has minimal side effects (and possibly less effectiveness) compared to medications. This paper will review the various drugs that are commonly prescribed to children receiving ABA interventions and whether they are necessary adjuncts to effective interventions. |