Standing on the precipice: to medicate or not

I feel like I have been standing on the precipice for a while now. Looking down that steep cliff that seems to drop off into darkness. Down in the darkness is what may happen when I put my child on medication. Will there be bad side effects? Will it help him? What about his developing brain? Should I withhold something that may help him feel better or more comfortable in his own body? Will someone please shine a light into the darkness for me?

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.