Motilium and Autism, is there a link?

Our now 2.5yr old daughter had serious reflux issues after birth and was unable to hold down her milk. A specialist doctor prescribed motilium twice a day at 2.5ml increasing to 5ml twice a day for over 6 months starting when she was 3 months.  Up till 3 months save reflux our baby was fine, very alert, aware of surrounding and changes, and good eyesight, however, all this faded over her prescription as she got a squint, couldn't see past half a yard, was drowsy and tired. Unfortunately it took us too long to realise but we stopped as soon as we did about 6 months after, and within weeks her cheerfulness, alertness, activity improved, and within a few months her eye sight was back to normal and whilst an optician said she needed glasses now at over 1yr she was told she was fine. Unfortunately though whilst she is a happy baby, enjoys interacting with others, she is significantly behind in her development and social skills and before the age of 2 was diagnosed by another child doctor with Autism.  We are now exploring options of how to help her, and in reading more about motilium came across an article in the following website (http://www.medisave.ca/DrugMoreInfo2416.aspx) which states "Where the blood brain barrier is not fully developed (mainly in young babies) or is impaired, the possible occurrence of neurological side-effects cannot be totally excluded". First I am looking for more expert advice on if this is true and if so is there something we can do to reverse the side effects be it re-stimulate the brain development as I understand the brain's early development continues till around 5-6years old?

[William H Ahearn, Ph.D., BCBA]

Motilium, I believe, is domperidone, a medication used to enhance GI tract motility.  This forum is monitored by behavioral practitioners who are here to offer advice on intervention (educational and clinical) and diagnosis.  My advice to you on this question would be to seek the input of a medical researcher.  On my search of the literature, I could find no articles discussing domperidone and autism, except one suggesting that a related medication was speculated to have a possible benefit in treating mental health issues. This statement did not seem supported by any evidence.  Motilium also does not seem to be readily available in the US.  Furthermore, motility enhancers like this medication and Cisapride have been linked to a major potential side effect in cardiac health.  I'm not aware of other potential developmental issues related to motility-enhancing agents but that does not mean there are no other concerns.

Best of luck.