To Medicate or Not...

[Jamies Mommy]

I have always said that I wouldn't medicate Jamie but its getting to the point where I think I'm going to have to for his safety and ours. As he is getting older he is getting more and more agressive. He pinches, scratches and bites when hes angry or out of sorts and he has broken three windows in the last two weeks by banging on them.
The Dr. gave us a prescription for Risperdal which we haven't had filled. Part of me wants to try it but then part of me feels really bad for medicating him for behavior that is ther result of not bieng able to communicate and Sensory Problems.
What are some of your experiences with medications or what alternatives have you tried that were effective?
Danielle

[peglem]

I'm sorry you're faced with this difficult decision. I've been there and its not fun! I've sent you a PM with our experience.

[N&L]

Please do not beat yourself up. If you have tried sensory integration, diet, etc. and nothing has helped maybe you should try medication. I am not for or against mediction. It is such an individual choice with each child. Every child is different. Even though we all have children on the spectrum our experiences with them are unique and differrent. Maybe before you try this medication ask the doc. about other medications not just this one. You might try some smaller guns before you bring out the big guns. Insist on hearing about other medications before you make a decision. And remember this is your child and you will make the best decision for him.

N&L

[milivica]

Danielle,

There really is no 'autism medication' so I too swore I'd never do it, then due to aggression, and to even be able to keep him living here anymore, we had to try it. Risperdal is what we tried, I was extremely nervous about it, and still feel like a failure for not having figured out a different way - but - I will say it literally saved our lives. He was finally able to sleep (at 7), he was finally not angry all the time (enraged really, not just regular anger), and he was no longer threatening to kill us all in our sleep. It was really serious at that time. The max he ever took was .75mg/day. He started at .25/mg/day. If you are at your wits end for answers, I would try it. Think about it this way, and it might be easier...what if HE is happier with Risperdal? Would you be even considering a med, if HE was happy even if you all weren't, I'm guessing you wouldn't. Also, if he had epilepsy you wouldn't hesitate to give him medication for that, and that is neurological - so is the anger...well maybe that's chemical, but still physical not 'psychological' and not the result of ineffective mothering.

It's funny cause one of my two friends has no qualms medicating her child, but all his 'issues' are physical, yet, seems all of us here feel so hung up and guilty about medication, never really ok with it. I try to be more like her, but I just can't for some reason, so do identify with what you're feeling. I wanted to feel 'successful' as a mom who didn't drug her kid cause I found other ways.

Well, on risperdal, all our lives improved beyond what I can even remember, there were so many pluses. However in time, I'm guessing since risperdal is not an 'autism medication' per say, it will wind down and stop being effective, and may even become counter effective. That's what happened to Vince, and we are now down to .125mg/day, soon to be zero. Maybe for Jamie and your family, it might be a way to get over this difficult time, not a permanent thing. Weather you decide yes or no, I'm on your side and behind you 100%, cause I know you're on Jamie's side 100%.

Love,
Mili

[Isabelle]

danielle, risperdal might help you to deal with jamie's aggressive behaviour for a while or might have an opposite reaction, it can exacerbate them, make them permanent.
have you observed what is triggering them? what is the reaction of the people when he goes off?
in my son's case his "episodes" of ADHD, worsen with tranquilizers, then drugs caused aggression and SIB.
those episodes worsen when he was grabbed.
the more he was held down, the more he fought, the more he was told to stop or not to do it the more he did.
he was receiving negative reinforcement.
see if that could be the triggers.

[tgrimes]

Well, nothing says you HAVE to fill the prescription right now, you could wait until you are more comfortable with the idea. Or you could fill it with the intent of a start date, or wait until agression is bad so that there is a clear picture of whether it works on the agression or not.
I am going through the same thing right now, but Theo's appt with new psychiatrist not until april. I was fine with the last psych who prescribed just PRN medicine, which I rarely use, but it works when I do.
Whatever the new one prescribes, I'm sure it will sit for a while. The doctor who referred me was talking about starting some pretty heavy duty stuff. I feel like I'm going to be just 'going through the motions' on this next visit.
We are tired of 'interventions.'

[Zenzele]

I had no idea that aggression was a symptom of autism. This is new to me.

[Mother's Heart]

Hi zenzele.
are you new to autism? dealing with a new diagnosis? or old hat and just not had aggression as part of the picture that you or the one(s) who connect you to autism deal with?

Yes, aggression is often a part of autism, or a part of the circumstances accompanying autism. (communication frustration, sensory integration problems, allergies, drug side-effects, frustration with being physically controlled, gastro-intestinal issues, metabolic issues, etc etc.)

Autism is very much a behavioral disorder as well as a social/communication developmental disorder. Although, perhaps the behavioural components are perhaps just as much an outgrowth of the other key aspects as they are a essential part.

welcome,
cj

[Mother's Heart]

oh, I'm sorry. I see your other post now. I missed it before.
Welcome to the forum.

cj :)

[Jamies Mommy]

Thanks for all your suggestions and helpful information. Not sure what I'm going to do yet. He has Docter appointment on Monday so I think I will talk with him about it again.Before making a decision.
D

[Isabelle]

also talk to a naturopath or alternative medicine doctor. check first for parasites before using supplements....

[AKF]

Good luck with whatever you choose. Just don't feel guilty if you need to use the meds. It doesn't have to be permanent, just like Mili said. Down the road you may be able to take him off it. But if he really needs it to control himself, then go ahead and do it.