TITLE:
Beyond the Magic Pill: Reassessing the Role of Pharmacology in Autism Care through Restorative Perspectives
AUTHORS:
Geoffrey A. Johnson
KEYWORDS:
Autism, Clinical Trials, Ethics, Inclusion, Medications, Neurodiversity, Pharmacology
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.9,
September
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: This article examines dominant pharmacological treatment approaches in autism care. By analyzing existing clinical practices, it critiques medicalized frameworks for autism intervention and introduces restorative justice principles as a neurodiversity-affirming model to reimagine relational, community-centered care. These frameworks emphasize the inclusion of the autism community, parents, and primary caregivers in treatment decision-making, particularly regarding the selection and testing of medications. Such care must be balanced with individualized supports and evidence-based behavioral frameworks. Through narrative analysis and targeted pharmacological comparisons, the article highlights systemic barriers, ethical tensions, and the underrepresented voices of autistic individuals and caregivers in clinical settings. The findings advocate for transparent and inclusive models of care that position autistic individuals as co-creators of their health and well-being.