Advice on Autism/risperdal

[dizzyami]

Hello! I have been scouring the internet for advice, but then remembered about this board and was looking for some help.

I took my DD to the Dr. yesterday (ear infection), and after the appointment the Dr. came back in to talk about my DS (he has seen him since August). He is extremely concerned with his behaviour (as am I), and while he cannot make an official diagnosis believes that my son has autism. I do not disagree with the diagnosis...and my DS has been in special needs preschool for two years (with varying debate as to what is wrong).

So...quick overview...my DS has EXTREMEME behaviour issues, biting, hitting, pinching, constantly hurting my DD, my DH as well as myself...will not listen, does not care, (and I promise we try to discipline, and I usually just end up hugging/restraining him until his mood settles). He has NO speech at all, and will turn 5 in July.

My DR. prescribed him ripserdal. I had never heard of it, and after searching the internet the last couple of hours I am so unsure and scared of the potential side effects, yet so hopeful of the positive results...

Any Advice...Please???

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

The behaviors your DS has may be from the frustration of not being able to communicate his needs due to lack of speech. Is he using anything to help him communicate such as sign language or pecs cards? Linda

 

[LuvsTinker]

You may want to see a developmental ped. for more assurance and a dx.

We started our verbal son on Risperdal last summer at age 7 (PDD-NOS). It has helped his mood swings, temperment, hitting at school (he did not hit as home), and some obssessive behavior as well as some anxiety.

The only side effect was some weight gain, however he needed it so that was not an issue at all.

We debated as well. It 's a very tough decision to make. (((Hugs)))

Also, our dr. started DS on .25 mg and with weight gain over the last few months, we have had to increase the dosage.

 

[westernmom]

I agree with the pp who suggested a developmental ped. I might even throw in a child therapist/psychiatrist if you're thinking of medicating for behavioral issues.

My 5 yo ds is on Risperdal for severe anxiety, mood swings, insomnia (he has complex PTSD). It's a pretty heavy duty medication with some bigtime potential side effects. My ds does have a yearly blood test to make sure the Risperdal doesn't cause any problems.

Knowing all of this, we agonized over medicating such a young child but ultimately we knew this was the correct decision for this child. I'm happy to discuss our experiences with this medication if you want to pm me (I'm always leary of giving too much info. on medication on an open forum as everyone's experience can be so different.)

Medicating for behavioral issues has not been my first choice nor was it the first choice of my son's psychiatrist as the medicine doesn't get rid of the behaviors, it just reduces their intensity. I still had to learn how to help my son manage his issues.

Again, if you have any specific questions, please feel free to pm me.

 

[Forevryoung]

I've been on many psych meds over the past few years (including the same type as risperdal). While the effect every individual differently, and it is a difficult decision to make, knowing the improvement to my life (and my family's life) has made me confident in my decision.

If you want more info from a personal view of what it feels like to take meds, PM me.



I also strongly suggest looking into developing a form of communication through pictures and words (doesn't have to be the ever famous "PECS")

 

[bookwormde]

If your son is in imminent risk of significantly hurting himself or someone else and you have a clinician who is qualified to understand your sons situation then it may be needed. If this is not your situation then you need to take your son to a clinician who specializes in Autism and has the most current training to get a proper evaluation. There are many therapies and supports, which can in a relatively quick amount of time reduce your child’s anxiety level if he is on the Autism spectrum, otherwise you may just be coving up the real issues so he does not get the care he needs. There are some children that even after getting the maximum support or who have other issues who will need medication but it is my thinking that this is just an adjunct not a solution.

bookwormde

 

[happily single]

How old is your ds? My DS has PDD along with a bunch of other diagnosis, including Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Although its easy to tell people he's austic the ODD really explains him in one word.
When he was 3 years old his developmental dr (forget her exact title) put him on Rispederal, which was our VERY FIRST experience with any meds. One dose and he was a different boy, and not in a good way. He never got another dose.

Now that we have exhausted almost all other meds without much sucess the dr's are again pushing for me to try it again. I'm hesitant to try again, but have seen a great deal of kids with great results.

I do agree that you should take your ds to a specialist. I love, love, love my peditrican but she has never been involved in prescribing meds-we've always only seen specialists for that.

GOod luck

 

[dizzyami]

Thank you so much for all the responses, I knew I could count on you guys .

The odd thing is he can communicate (non verbally) whatever he wants to us at home (including his sister - she understands him 100%), but she is the one who is usually the target of his mood swings. His behaviour at school is for the most part good, with the exception of a very limited attention span. (So it is hard to say that it is the lack of communication causing the behaviour )

I think we are going to give the meds a try...(he weighs 38 pounds so if he gains weight I am not too concerned) and I will closely monitor him to ensure none of the more serious side effects are there. I am also to call his Dr. routinely to update him on how my DS is doing. I will look into a specialist too...we live in a town of 11,000...so that will be a bit more difficult, but I will look for one in the valley and plan a trip.

Again, I really appreciate all the responses and the time you take