Asperger's & ADHD

Lindley - posted on 03/12/2013

Hello. I am new here. Our 7 year old was diagnosed with Asbergers/ADHD/ODD by age five. From 2 I knew he was different than his peers. He was reading at two and had an expansive vocab and sentence usage. He has also been very aggressive toward his family/close friends. We are now dealing with this issue at school. We are at a loss. He is currently taking clonidine for sleep(being weaned to switch to melatonin), respiridone for aggressision, and straterra for ADHD. Any advice?Taking his electronics worked for a while but we are lost. He now has an IEP/ Behavioral plan at his new school so they are a little lenient/ more tolerant but one more visit to the office and he will be suspended.

Tiamarie - posted on 01/25/2013

First let me introduce myself, I'm Tia, my 8 yr old was just diagnosed with AS and adhd yesterday.

I have been told a few years ago to try Melatonin for my son due to his not sleeping well through the night. I don't remember the bottle I had saying anything about age though there might be different types of this specific sleep aid. I would look more into this. It's an over the counter 'drug' and it may or may not work for your child. Some say it works great and some as with my son, it didn't help much at all. Good luck with that, I know how difficult that is as we still have nights where my son will wake up or stay up during the night =/

Now onto welcoming you two Circle of Moms. I wish I could help you more but as I am new to this myself I can't. However, if you go on facebook, there is a group for Aspergers Awareness and I find it to be useful.

Shasta - posted on 09/26/2009

Hi! I know what you mean. My children are 7, 5, and 3. All are on the spectrum. My oldest has Asperger's. So, I definetly have been all those places with you. The tantrums and outbursts are likely due to a meltdown brought on by over stimulisation. I kept a kinda journal with my son. When he'd have an outburst I'd write what was going on at the time and what he did. I looked back over it after about 2 weeks. I looked for patterns. I was able to find a lot of things that triggered his outbursts. Then I got together with his ot and behavioral therapist and worked out ways to minimize the exposure to the triggers. It's worked wonders for him. As for sleeping there is a pill it's chewable. I get it at my health food store it's called night night. It's made for children. It actually is tryptophan. The same stuff that's in Turkey to make you sleepy. It has been a miracle cure. lol. I'm still working with my kids occupational and behavioral therapists to help expand their diets. Usually it's caused by sensory issues. They won't eat certain foods because their body can't handle the feel, smell things like that. So, you may want to talk to an OT. I hope this helps. :)

Judy - posted on 09/26/2009

Kellie, you are just beginning. My daughter was diagnosed at 5 and has seen her developemental ped every 6 months, an occupational therapist 1 x a week, a speech therapist 1 x a week, a psychologist 1 x a week, psychiatrist every 3 months, not to mention her reg doc appointments, home schooling, etc... she is 10 now. go to the psychologist and if needed a psychiatrist too. The psychologist will help with behavior modification. Melatonin is not for everyone and I can't tellyou to give it to your son. That said, I started my daughter on it when she was 5 at the reccomendation of her doctor. I started her off on 3 mcg and now she is on 3 mg a night. I do not give it to her on the weekend,nor do I give it to her in the summer. If she does not have to wake up in the morning for school now or whatever else, I do not give it to her. She does have major issues with slowing her brain down enough to be able to fall asleep. That is why I give her the melatonin. Make sure your doc knows you are giving it to your child. It is safe for your child, it is a natural substance found in the brain, our children do not use their melatonin wisely, this just helps. That said, youmust tell your doc u r giving it to ur child, as far as I know, it does not interfere with any other meds ur child may be on. That said- only ur doc can tell you for sure. HTH~

Dawn - posted on 09/25/2009

Quoting Kellie:
Spencer in on ADHD medicine called vyvanse, have tried concerta, focalin, aderall, and we found that vyvanse works, but he is loosing sleep....

Hi Kellie. Like you I just started this site and I am almost in tears at knowing there are people who actually UNDERSTAND what I am going thru. My son Jason is almost 12 and weighs 74 pounds. It wasn't until July 2008 that we got him properly diagnosed. He had been to countless therapists, doctors, councelors, psychiatrists, psychologists, everything. I got tired of people telling me it was ADHD alone. I knew there was something more. When he started with this CONSTANT throat clearing type cough, I asked the pediatrician about it and she said it was allergies. Put him on meds for that. Didnt help. He has been on ritalin, concerta, adderall, focalin, daytrana (the patch), wellbutrin,Prozac, and I am sure a few others I cannot think of right now. He is also currently taking vyvanse. It had been suggested to me from an internet friend who is 17 and has a lot of the same issues Jason does, with out the AS.

He has been MISdiagnosed for years as emotionally disturbed, ADHD alone, juvienile depression, ODD, and behavior problematic. He had been placed in a behavior modified class where they were supposed to teach the kids how to behave in society and with each other. I noticed Jason getting WORSE. When I found out his AS and how he is best main streamed I yanked him out and put him in a new school fully main streamed. So far he is doing okay - but school has only been in session for 2 weeks. I never really wanted to put him on any chemical medications because I fear liver damage in the future. And I don't want my poor son being chemically dependant his whole life. Not a single person ever suggested that melitonin. I am going to further research this and I hope you let us all know what you decide and the results.

I am having current problems with him fighting with his 3 year old little brother, kids at school, me, his father, anger out bursts, not doing his chores, not bringing home his assignments, lying to me about EVERYTHING, taking money I leave on my book shelf or night stand. Therapists have not helped him, and I am at wits end. Hopefully I can find some answers here as well.

I know, I ramble - but I feel like I am at home with a bunch of old friends that I have yet to meet on this site. It is so.... comfortable.

Melissa - posted on 09/24/2009

I can only speak for myself, but my son is 8 and has severe ADHD, takes 15 mg of Adderall a day and as a result of the med has an impossible time falling asleep. I began giving him a 1/3 an adult dose of Melatonin liquid in warm milk 30 minutes before bedtime and it has helped IMMENSELY!!

Elizabeth - posted on 09/24/2009

Hi Kellie,



My son is 12 and is diagnosed with PDD NOS. He has not slept without sleeping med since he was 5. If starting with Melatonin, start at the smaller dose and give it about a week or 2 then decide if you need to increase. We have tried everything and now my son is on Trazadone to sleep. This really works and does not give him a hard time getting up in the morning for school. He is on Strattera and Risperdal during the day for his symptoms.

Talk to his doctor and ask them for advice. That is what I did. Good luck!! If you want to talk just email me.. bessiegirl2006@yahoo.com.



Beth

Yvonne - posted on 09/23/2009

one of our sons is autistic and the othe has autism spectrum disorder and they both have ADHD. the one who is autistic we have on melatonin and it works great until he gets use to the dosage. and the tantrums and everything else goes along with it all.. all I can say is we punish our sons when they misbehave, we believe that if we dont they think that can get away with it. Also our youngest son is 11 and only weighs 70 lbs. which is still small for his age. Our pediatrician recommended that we give him high calorie foods to help him gain weight which did help some. Yvonne

Karina - posted on 09/21/2009

Hi Kellie,
We have an 8 year old boy and a 5 year old girl. Our 8 year old son had just been diagnosed with asperger's and ADHD with a few of the other disorders that can co-exist with both of these syndromes. We were advised to put him Cataprys to help with his anxiety and loss of sleep, but felt that it was too serious a medication for a young child and we were then told about Melatonin. You can buy it as a supplement or as a concentrated dose, which we (for the moment) have not opted to try.

He takes hours to drift off and wakes at 4am and simply can not shut off again to go back to sleep. We have put firm boundaries in place for bed time and he is allowed to quietly read a book or play with electronic gadgets (Anything that requires a dedication of thought is very good, he needs to be free to create whatever masterful scientific thing he believes it to be. Anything that could cause frustration from not being able to achieve it should be avoided). This helps him to not be frustrated that he cant go back to sleep and keeps boredom and a bad start to the day at bay.

His ADHD medication at the moment is Stratera as Concerta added to his aggressiveness. When lack of sleep starts to become eminent, we have him fed, bathed and bed with a dose of Phenergen. He then sleeps from 5pm right through to 7am. Every child needs a good night sleep and we find that this once every week or 2 really helps him.

As tricky as it is, avoid the word "No". It has been hard to find ways of saying no with out actually saying the word. Eg: The other day he wanted to take a toy to school which is against the schools rules. As he looked at me full of hope that I would say yes, I thought about how to get around this No word.

Normally I would say No, and the temper tantrums were instant. The end of the world was upon us and there was no escaping that he was angry, upset and everything and every one was against him, nothings far and he simply fell apart. Instead I said in a calm, happy, loving voice "Of course you can, I think that the toy you have chosen is a great toy to tell for news. When is your news day again?" To which he felt great that he had to help me by reminding me what day his news day was and he happily went and put his toy away.

I have found that if he believes that he is a great help to me and that I don't know everything, he is happier. So forget pride and sometimes play a little bit dumb so they feel needed. It replaces the anxiety of them not getting what they want with a "gee, I better help mum out, she needs my help". It's good for all of us to feel needed and important.

As I'm sure we all have/are in the process of working out, structure is key. If you need to make a change don't make it a one off, out of the blue change. Find a way of making it a structured change. "Yes you may sit at your spot at the table, lets try sitting at that other awesome spot next week and then you and your sister can take turns. The week will start on Monday morning and end on Sunday night. Can you be in charge of reminding me when it's time to swap?"

We have been teaching him that we have our routine and that we will 'routinely' pick a random day for an outing or for takeaway to get him use to the fact that things happen that we cant always plan for. We make them happy things that he will welcome. Even in random events there is always a way to find a pattern. When they can see that and find/make that pattern up on their own, life becomes easier to get through.

When someone figures out how to cope with sibling rivalry with AS and ADHD thrown into the mix please let me know. Still working on that one. The aggressiveness with no remorse is a hard one to combat.

Good luck to every one and I hope that some of the things that my family has worked out will help some of you and I look forward to leaning as much as I can from you all too :)

Grace - posted on 09/21/2009

My heart goes out to you Kellie. Its really difficult to know when to discipline a child with Autism. I have two boys who have Asperger's and its very difficult even today to know when to put my foot down and when to let it slid. Some good news though. Our oldest is 16 and has out grown? alot of the temper outbursts and emotional meltdowns. Our youngest is 8 with alot of health issues on top of the Apsergers and ADHD. Seems they go hand and hand. He still has both and we are learning how to cope one day at a time. Both boys see a psychologist and that makes it much easier. But just take one day at a time and use your best judgment.

Stephanie - posted on 09/21/2009

Go for the Psych eval! That is exactally what I said to my son's pediatrician if they didnt refer me to someone that could actually HELP us. We got in to see a child psychiatrist and she has discovered my son really isnt ADHD, it was over stmulation at first and then the ADHD medication making his episodes more intense. Also, they have helped me on how to handle his episodes, dealing with day to day things, & dicipline. Also, have they mentioned Occupational Therapy? It helped tremendously! His Psychiatrist put him on a different medication (not for ADHD) and he is 98% better, granted I wasnt happy about medication at all but its made sush an improvement! I was worried about him being "dpoed up" but that is not the case at all...we still have our "sensory days"

-which is to be expected-but life is happier around my house :) and his school ;)

Kristin - posted on 09/21/2009

My son is 7 yearsold has Aspergers for 2 years.Temper outbursts and agiatation easily are part norm in my house.Its out of frustration because he cant express themselves.look at what happened prior to outburst.My son is easily agaitated by my 3 yeaold dtr,hunger,tired or out of routune .I used melatnin when he was younger and my pediatirician told me what dose to give him and it worked and you dont use it forever maybe 6 months.Yes there are days I feel like I need to medicated because there is no support for Aspergers.i got alot support from the Aspergers Association of New England.

Trina - posted on 09/21/2009

Kellie, you probably need to find a good psychologist who will meet with both you and your child to help with all of those wonderful things you are describing. You are right, it is very hard to discipline an Aspergers child because a/ they often can't help what they are doing and b/ they often don't link the punishment with the action.



One thing to keep in mind is that a child with Aspergers need constant stimulation. While for the majority of the population, any noise, light etc. distrubs your sleep pattern, it actually helps a child with AS, because it continues to provide stimulation, keeping them calm. A quietly playing radio, the TV left on, or even a ticking clock in their bedroom can help them sleep.



As far a his behaviour and temper (yes, the anger and temper is part of the aspergers), while a psychologist can help both of you work through things, a wonderful thing to do with AS kids is a "behaviour economy". That is to allow them to earn virtual money within the household or at school. Only target one behaviour at a time, otherwise it is too overwhelming for them. But for example, if he is getting angry all the time, give him an outlet to let go of that anger, maybe punching his pillow (you do need to allow him to vent the anger). If when he gets angry, he follows the guidlines you have given him and goes and punches his pillow until he is calm, he earns virtual money. Give him a list of what he can buy with his virtual money, that would be something he loves (and don't we know how our darling aspergers children have those particular things they love). So, take away for dinner might be $50 virtual dollars, a trip to the movies might be $60 virtual dollars, and new lego set (insert your child's obsession here LOL) might be $70 virtual dollars. I bought a wonderful book called Parenting a child with Asperger Syndrome by Brenda Boyd, who is a mother of an asperger child. She has some wonderful tips and strategies.



Good luck

Kellie - posted on 09/20/2009

Thanks Jo, I appreciate it, sometimes it helps just to talk....Spencer in on ADHD medicine called vyvanse, have tried concerta, focalin, aderall, and we found that vyvanse works, but he is loosing sleep....and so am I...have a nurse friend that suggested melatonin, but don't know what to start him out at, as it comes in 300mcg, 3mg, 5mg. I know it wont hurt him, but leary....anyone else know.....



Once again I have read alot of this site today, and know I am not alone, just wish I had found this site a long time ago!!!!!



Thanks - Kellie

Jo - posted on 09/20/2009

hi kellie



welcome to the group, firstly let me just tell you, you are not alone, my son luke is 9 and a half and in the last six months is starting to show signs of all of what you have mentioned, he is diagnosed asperger, adhd, odd, with a anxiety problem, by reading what you have posted i am assuming that you live in the states, as here in australia our drugs are called by other names, my son takes ritalin and we see a physcologist fortnightly, he has one and so do i, it does help,



I have decided that i just take every day as it comes, some are great, others not so great, but none of this is your fault, just something that has happened, and when he finds his gift he will take it into adulthood and be great, hang in there, but seriously have you thought of seeing someone yourself, just having a hour a week talking to someone about how you feel can really help, i al alway here to help if you need just to talk, feel free to email me privately on shalimar16@live.com.



hang in there



jo