THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES IN THE PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the main therapeutic challenges in the pharmacological management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with an emphasis on treatment standardization, therapeutic adherence, and the role of the pharmacist. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study conducted through an integrative literature review. Scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025 were selected from the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, in Portuguese and English, using descriptors related to pharmacotherapy, ASD, and pharmaceutical care. The results show that the clinical heterogeneity of ASD and the presence of comorbidities hinder the standardization of pharmacological protocols, in addition to negatively impacting treatment adherence. The frequent occurrence of medication-related problems, such as adverse effects and drug interactions, was also observed, especially in polypharmacy settings. In this scenario, the role of the pharmacist in promoting the rational use of medications, in therapeutic monitoring, and in guiding caregivers stands out. It is concluded that the pharmaceutical action integrated into multidisciplinary teams contributes significantly to the optimization of pharmacotherapy, favoring better clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with ASD.