Low-Dose Fluoxetine in Four Children withAutistic Spectrum Disorder Improves Self-Injurious Behavior,ADHD-Like Symptoms, and Irritability

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the copresence of two core symptoms: alteration in social communication andrepetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. In ASD children and adults, irritability, self-injurious behavior (SIB), and AttentionDeficit and Hyperactivity Disorders- (ADHD-) like symptoms are regularly observed. In these situations, pharmacologicaltreatments are sometimes used. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors- (SSRI-) based treatments have been the subject of severalpublications: case reports and controlled studies, both of which demonstrate efficacy on the symptoms mentioned above, even ifno consensus has been reached concerning their usage. In this article four clinical cases of children diagnosed with ASD and whoalso present ADHD-like symptoms and/or SIB and/or other heteroaggressive behaviors or irritability and impulsivity treated withlow doses of fluoxetine are presented.