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Use of ziprasidone for maladaptive symptoms in youth with autism Atypical antipsychotic drugs are frequently used for treating severe maladaptive behaviors associated with autistic disorder (autism) and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) (McDougle et al., 2002). These targets of pharmacotherapy often include aggression toward self and others, property destruction, agitation, and irritability (McDougle., et al 2002). This class of drugs differs from typical or conventional antipsychotics, which had been the mainstay of treatment for these symptoms (McDougle., et al 2002), in a number of ways. These drugs may have a reduced propensity toward causing acute extrapyramidal symptoms, as well as a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia. In addition, they have been shown to improve the "negative" symptoms of schizophrenia, along with beneficial effects on positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. The negative symptoms include blunted affect, emotional and social withdrawal, disinterest in in terpersonal relationships, difficulty in abstract thinking, lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation, and stereotyped thinking (Kay et al., 1987). A number of investigators have suggested that the negative sympto