Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Rebecca - posted on 09/12/2011

@ Laura- Have you tried to get on one of the prescription drug programs? In many cases the medications are free and in other are offered at a greatly discounted rate. Here is just one of the websites availiable for this http://www.rxassist.org/

Andrea - posted on 09/08/2011

My child has both ADHD and OCD. He is very impulsive more than aggressive. He is on Abilify at night (1mg) and takes Melatonin (1mg) GNC brand for quality (this is a natural supplement and REALLY makes him tired within 20 minutes and he gets a great sleep. He has a sleep disorder and cannot go to sleep without it. Just these 2 things have made all the difference in the world!! However, Abilify is very strong and I don't want him on it either. It is so strong that he only takes it at night and gets very emotional just after taking it (but then goes to sleep). It is for severe depression and other mental disorders too. He is so much better on the meds but who wants to give their child something that we have no idea what other effects he will eventually possibly have. I took him off for about a month during summer break and put him right back on. I worry that he will never know how to behave on his own! I went to a Pediatric Neurologist that specializes in sleep Dr. Khan in Roseville CA. He is amazing.

Joanna - posted on 09/14/2010

Have you tried music therapy. I teach piano to a girl with aspergers, and to a boy recently diagnosed with ADHD. See if you can find a music therapist in your area, his OCD could well be channelled into learning a musical instrument as applied properly could be turned into a good practise regime, and kids often find that music can really help with ADHD.

Laura - posted on 09/13/2010

Hi, I have an 8 year old with ASD and ADHD. We lost health insurance last fall so he's been off of meds for quite awhile. He was on Abilify and Clonidine but he has been tried on many meds. What I've noticed is that the meds didn't really make that much of a difference, he still cycles but he is much more sensitive to his environment without meds. For instance if he's really hungry, his behavior gets worse before he realizes he's really hungry. Also, my son reacts to certain foods. Just go slow while taking him off of the meds. Good Luck - Laura

Tammy - posted on 09/13/2010

I would strongly suggest neuro-therapy and equestrain therapy. I have seen it do amazing work for children with autism, adhd, behavorial problems. The equestrain therapy usually offers scholarships. the neuro-therapy is pricy not covered by insurance but so worth it. If you live in the DFW area, go see The Brain Institute, they are amazing and truly care, won't give you false hope

Valerie - posted on 09/12/2010

Thanks for the help and i'll let you know what they say. I'll also keep you postewd if there any changes that I become concernd about. Thanks A lot Again!!!

Zenzele - posted on 09/12/2010

Wow that neurologist is scary. As far as the behaviorist....just because they have the degree may not mean they are a good fit for your son. It may take a different behavioral psychiatrist. Maybe if he sees a woman change it to a man or vice versa. My daughter had two psychologist before I found the one. However, luckily the first ABA group worked out well. Let us know how the autism center meeting goes. Maybe they can give you some insight. Be straight forward in what you expect them to provide for your son and your family.

Valerie - posted on 09/12/2010

We do have a behavioral therapist and a psychiatrist. When he sees the therapist he does good for a couple of days then he forgets and that's whne you don't want to be in his way or the person he takes it out on. He has almost gave my 9 yr. old a concussion twice by using the back of his head to hit her face. We go to the autism center here in two weeks. I'm hoping they can help. I'm afraid of the side effects that some of these drugs have. He did see a nero for a while and he had a bad reaction between two drugs and almost ended up in the ICU. The nero just blew it off like it was nothing.(he know the meds. my son was on before he put him on the drug.) I want some one besides his therapist that will sit down and try to help me. He see's a behavioral Psychiatrist.

Zenzele - posted on 09/12/2010

First let me say I feel your pain. I would have to say that any neurologist who says we cannot help him no longer needs to be your son's doctor. I would not ever want to hear that. There is a point at which you have tried many meds and are taking one day at a time but that is until you find the right meds or combination of meds that work which requires a fight from the parents. If you no longer want him on meds regardless of finding ones that work you would need to seek a behavioral therapist and psychologist for him. Research some in your area that have expertise with autism. Your regional/disability center should be able to direct you to the right path. Its a start.

Valerie - posted on 09/12/2010

My son takes meds for hi ADHD, OCD and aggressive behavior. He'll be having an evaluation to see what type he has. He has seen a nero and no longer sees one because they say their is nothing they can do to help him. He see's a psychiatrist every month. He's on Adderall, Seroquel,Fanapt,and Remeron. I want to help him so he can get off the meds, is there anyway that I acn help him with this. His aggressive behavior, screaming, throwing things, biting, kicking punching, and headbutting is what I want to help him fix first. We have been through a lot of meds and we found that these help but I want a med free kid that I can handle.

Zenzele - posted on 09/12/2010

Which diagnosis is he taking the meds for? What form of autism does he have? Who prescribed the meds? Has he seen a neurologist or neuropsychiatrist? Why do you want him off the meds if he is displaying high aggressive behavior? Are the meds having an adverse effect or do you simply not want him taking meds at all? What does he need help with that you can see so he doesn't need the meds anymore?



These answers could really narrow things down a bit so some of the mom's who are in the same boat as you can receive an accurate measure of where your son is at.



Thanks.