14 DAY TRIAL // Children who suffer from autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are likely to experience episodes of intense irritability. Scientists have been trying to address this issue for some time, and now a study appears to have found a potential solution.
Scientists at the Stanford University and the Cleveland Clinic say that an FDA-approved drug called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) appears to be effective at reducing irritability in autistic children. The chemical is currently used to treat acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdoses, PsychCentral reports.
Apparently, the drug acts on the body's antioxidant defense system, more specifically on the peptide glutathione, which is a critical component of this pathway. NAC restores and maintains the molecule.
In a pilot study conducted by the team, ASD kids were given either NAC or a placebo for 12 weeks. After the study period, scientists measured irritability levels in the children, and found that those who had received NAC displayed significantly reduced symptoms.