I guess that is what the doctor did for us, she shined a light into the scary darkness that shrouds medicating a child. I felt comfortable enough to give it a try. He has been on a low dose for a few weeks now, and there doesn't seem to be any negative side effects - yet. His eye contact has improved, it seems much longer and more intense. He also is responding to questions much more quickly. And these are good things.
Now that we have jumped into the precipice with both feet, it isn't as dark as I had thought. Still scary, but not bad. I guess we will make it after all.