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doubletrouble

Risperdol

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Hi there, :lol: I am just wondering if anyone has any experience of their child on Risperdal. My son used to be on Prozac as he has high functioning autism and ocd and the dosage he required of prozac to control his anger was to high. His ocd improved but his anger was horrendous and I did not like the dosage he was recommended which was 40mg. This week I was asked to put him on Risperdal to help with his anger as his anger is so intense and my other three kids are always being hit, punched hurt etc. A great deal of his anger unfortunatly is worsened at home as one of his brothers has aspergers and elements of ADHD!! They are like two time bombs waiting to explode and at times I think we should put our house forward for a weekly fireworks explosion as I am sure we could entertain and be heard by countless people!!! :oops: Sorry humor is my only form of survival!!! I was just hoping if possible for some feedback. I dont like having to use medication but as he is nearly my size and double my strength I am hoping that this works and also improves his quality of life. It must be exhausting being so full of anger at every turn, bless him. Many thanks and it is nice to be able to use this forum again. I used to log on before but...hey it is a long story which I am sure all of you would understand as it was conneceted around lack ot time and explosions and children with an allergy to sleep!!!!!

Doubletrouble :)

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Welcome doubletrouble :) nice to meet you,

 

I don't have any experience of medication, but I do know what it's like to have to handle behavioural problems in someone big and strong. You have my sympathy.

 

Hang on to the sense of humour, it helps. The Batcave is worth a visit, it should bring a smile to your face.

 

I have given you links to topics on medication on this forum. Hopefully someone else will be able to give you further feedback.

 

Good luck.

 

Nellie.

 

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.ph...st=0entry2290

 

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.ph...&st=0entry823

 

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.ph...&st=0entry257

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Hello doubletrouble

 

Your situation sounds horrendous - I only have one aggressive and difficult child with AS to cope with - fortunately the other two appear to be NT.

 

My son, now 10, has been taking Rispedal (risperidone) since Christmas. It has made a radical difference to him, and to the whole family. If your son's doctor recommends it, then I would suggest that you give it a try. Effects are almost immediate - and although the improvements in my son have levelled off, he is hugely better off with the drug than without.

 

Nellie has pointed you to other topics where I've described my experience and views on this medication - so I'll try not to repeat myself too much here. Basically, my son takes 0.5mg daily (after school seems to work best for him), and it has significantly improved his ability to cope with frustration and anger. It's not a miracle cure - but it has made him a much happier child. The most important thing to me, is that our interventions (eg timetables, behaviour management techniques, school interventions) now have a chance to work, and to bring permanent changes to his reponses and mind-set. Before, problems (particularly at home) would immediately spark fury and loss of control. Now, he can be talked down and helped, and encouraged to time himself out, and regain dignity and control.

 

There are health drawbacks - my son has put on weight, but not too much. He has 6monthly blood tests for blood sugars and fats, and so far it ok.

 

Incidentally, Risperidone is one of the very few drugs which have been clinically trialled on children with Asperger's. It was found to be acceptably safe, and to produce a significant and lasting benefit to the large majority of users. The trial results are available on the web - but I don't have a link. Try googling for it.

 

Whatever you decide, I hope things get a bit better for you. Look after yourself.

 

Elanor

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Hi there, my son has Aspergers and is on risperdal(risperdone AKA) this is for his aggression and vilence as he used to trash the house and hit me and his siblings too, since being on risperdal he is sleeping better and hasn t hit me once, it gets the :dance: with me, even though he still has meltdowns but not so bad and much more rarer(hope i haven t spoken to soon) :pray:

He has to have regular heart monitors done (every 6-12months) as it can (but rarely) effect the electrics of the heart.

 

May i also add he was on prozac b4 that which i feel make him more hypa and didn t really improve his behaviour atall, but children react differently, what might work for one may not work for another.

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;) Thanx for your replies,, it is great to have feedback as then you can prepare yourself likewise!!! Must admit, I am so far really impressed with the results. He is still fairly aggressive but it is early days, and although he is raging I am able to get through to him quicker than before...either that or my rugby tackles are getting to pro standard!!! :dance: Seriously though I can see a positive change. He is even starting to listen to social stories and is trying to take on board that they can be past on to real life situation, something that has never been possible. The only thing I would say is that his autistic traits seem more pronounced than before, and his obsessions are returning. He has to check all plug sockets twice before we leave the house. :hypno: When he was on the prozac that reduced his obsessions but increased his anger. Although obsessions are time consuming, (he also has OCD) to me the important thing is getting a grip on his anger, because I can only just restrain him now. He is very strong and nearly my height.

 

All in all seem very impressed with the help risperadol is giving him, feel like I can finally teach him things and ways to help him in life, whereas before there was never much success in this area.

 

Thanx again

 

Doubletrouble B)

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I can see alot of similarities between our sons, my son too is always moaning that i leave sockets switched on and has to turn them off, lewis will react better to a social story than being told, is obessed with cars but not to the point that its time comusing (only hear bashing).......he s fav car at present is the mini cooper.

Lewis too is my height and very very strong, I am now at the point if I have to retrain him I find it vertially impossible, but haven t had to do that since march when he was in hospital for an operation which in the end wasn t donew because he totally freaked out and was sedated twice and took at one point 6 of us to restrain him(leaving me a wreck as this carried on for 4 hours) he assulted a couple of nurses and trashed part of the ward we were in and I got bit while he tryed to escape the ward..............something I never want to go throu again.

He does get funny at appointments but I feel this is more a sensory issue as he doesn t like being touched, he s walked out of a dr s and dentists appointment many a time leaving me feeling :oops:

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hi

sorry to here bout ur son yes i was put on risperodone for my v bad ocd it made me calmer but the sideafects were not nice for me, i now on prozac for ocd 60mg it helps with thoughts and stuff but it is very hard to understand what is autistc or ocd i wuld say risperodone is better buz it helps ocd and it calms u down hope this is of ne help

christine x

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Hello All, I was wondering if I could jump on to this post to ask some advice. My 10 year old boy with Asperger's and probably OCD has just been prescribed Respiridone. We can't get him to take the pill form at all so the doctor is sending out the liquid form.

 

I was hoping to avoid using 'tranquilising' drugs, but have always maintained the view that if it is in his best interests, (not ours), then we would try them.

 

His aggression doesn't seem to be on the same scale as mentioned by others in this post. He doesn't trash the house or break things. He is becoming more aggressive in his nature and speech. This year he has been in a lot of trouble with hitting and fighting at school.

 

I was hoping that the doctor would take a more psychological approach but he immediately recommended Risperidone.

 

The bottom line is I'm terrified that I 'lose' my lad. I don't want him to become a zombie. I don't want to change him into someone else. I want him to be happy in himself. He is in mainstream school and I don't want his academic abilities adversely affected.

 

I know that the final decision is down to his mum and me but I would value any advice and anyones experience of it's use.

 

Thanks

 

Mike

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Mike

 

I can understand your concerns, and I wonder whether you have received enough advice on this issue from your son's specialist? Perhaps you could give him a ring, to try to put your mind at rest on these worries?

 

I certainly don't consider risperidone to be a tranquiliser, or even to have a tranquilising effect. My son has been taking 0.5mg daily since last December(although we have been able to reduce this over the last few weeks). I have always believed that my son's aggression stems from his high levels of stress and anxiety, and the medication has reduced his anxiety. As a result my son's instinctive aggressive responses have substantially reduced.

 

Every child is different, but I have never heard on this forum, or the OASIS site in the US where risperidone seems to be more commonly used, of a child being rendered a zombie by this medication. Of course, I have heard this of ritalin, a treatment for ADHD, but risperidone is in a different class of drugs.

 

My son's character has changed since taking the medication. He is no longer solitary and angry, and deeply distressed. He's himself - happier, calmer, more able to learn how to cope without violence. Our relationship, which was marked by shouting and pinning-down, and tension, is now more relaxed and loving. He's still got AS, and is still more 'difficult' than other children, but he's not sedated or zombiefied.

 

I would also add, that you can try risperidone, see how you get on, and then cease using it if your son isn't benefitting enough. I'm sure your son's doctor can advise you.

 

Finally, in case I sound too much of an advocate for Pfizer, I should say that medication is no replacement for positive parenting, proper provision in school, social skills training, specialist counselling or any other intervention. It is simply one way of helping that can be useful, and support all the above.

 

Elanor

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Thank you Elanor for your reply.

 

You have certainly resolved a few worries that I had been stressing over.

 

I had dwelt too much on all the negative aspects of the information supplied with the medicine. I may have read topo much between the lines also. There is nothing quite as good as getting someones first-hand experiences to make things clearer.

 

I understand what you say about it being no substitute for positive parenting and the correct intervention at school etc. While these strategies do work to a good degree, it is clear that my lad needs a little more help with his stress and anxiety in order that he can achieve his full potential either academically o rsocially.

 

Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know how things progress with us.

 

Mike

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my son was hitting his sister on a fairly regular basis, he had appointments with a psych who dealt very well with them, he still has the occasional meltdown where he will shout at her and raise his fist though.

She loves singing and he hates music, when her friends come over it is very difficult as he dosent like noise and girls run round playing tag or whatever, so he gets aggressive but will calm down eventually.

 

I feel torn, as i know it irritates him, but she has a life too and i dont want to stop her living it.

 

The psych adivsed wearing headphones or earplugs but his ears are very sensitive and often get very hot and glow bright red, he wont wear them

has anyone any suggestions for both problems? :tearful:

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Hello Elaine. Our boy's school tried to use earplugs and headphones(like ear defenders not phones as such), to see if that woul dhelp his concentration in school. Unfortunately this didn't work as he said he couldn't hear the classroom noise any more but he could 'hear' his own body really loud. They were than going to try using proper headphones playing music or sounds but they haven't gotten around to trying it yet.

 

I really wanted to post a message regarding my son's use of risperidone. after only two weeks I have noticed a huge difference. His teacher has been calling everyday to let us know how good he has been behaving and how well he is managing with his work.

 

He isn't 'zombified' as I had feared before.

 

He seems very happy and more relaxed at home. In fact the whole house seems more relaxed and calm.

 

So it's a case of so far so good with it just now.

 

I'll keep you posted about any developments.

 

Mike

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Mike

 

I'm so pleased to hear about your son's improvements - I hope he feels happier, and that as a family you'll be in a better position to help him.

 

My son has been taking risperidone for nearly a year, and the reduction in his aggression and general improvement have been sustained. I'm really happy to be able to say that over the last few months we've been able to reduce his dose by half (with his doctor's approval) - which I think is due to his greater maturity and the lessons he's been able to learn over the past few months particularly. I'm well aware that I might have to increase the dose again if he has a period of stress, but it's great to have the flexibility.

 

Elanor

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I haven't read all the info on Risperidone and ASD but it is used for some of our patients with dementia who also have extreme anxiety. It is primarily an anti - psychotic drug but that doesn't really mean a thing, it's just the class of drugs it belongs to.

 

Sadly, most of our people who were on it have had to stop it as there is an increased risk of stroke in over 65's so GP's were forced to stop prescribing it. Some have managed on an alternative, but one poor man has never regained his equilibrium. I feel in his case, there's been no risk V benefit assessment made, it's a blanket ban for fear of litigation. We're still working with his GP to try and give him some peace back. I have to add, in the home where I work, we have a very low level use of this type of medication - it's only tried if the individual is clearly suffering with their dementia/anxiety and not to "keep them quiet".

 

I'd say with all drugs, you can only try, after doing your research and it can be stopped if you have side effects. Im glad it's worked for some of your kids and hope they continue to feel a benefit.

 

I have seen some folk have side effects and we stopped giving it straight away, but then they can happen with ANY meds. For instance, if I take Voltarol I have rectal bleeding and terrible pain, so bad I had an allergy wristband put on me when in hospital, However, my arthritic pain was cured by it!

 

 

love Ali xx

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Just adding a bit to my last post regarding my boy and risperdol. Every night this week the school has phoned us to tell us how good our boy has been!!! both with his work and behaviour. This is very different from his behaviour at home this weekend. He has been a bit of a sod this weekend so far. He did say yesterday "It's very hard being good at school " which makes me think that despite the meds he is still having to work hard at 'being good'. Does anyone recognise this?? Is this a case of working hard during the week and letting i tall out at home???

Mike

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Yes Mike I know what you mean. Although things are quite calm at home & school - there are still signs there of the underlying anxiety - I am still holding my breath as so often we have a really settled period which is the calm before the storm & am really hoping that the tablets are to just helping him supress it more - without actually helping with the anxiety - if you know what I mean. If it is just suppression then he is "gonna blow" - he must be getting fed up me asking how he is feeling all the time lol.

 

The letting it out at home is not as obvious for my son as the releasing it at someone he feels safe with - so the worst incidents at school are often with the same person that he has made a stronger bond with and at home it is usually myself.

 

Carol

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Hi Carol, Mike and Ali

 

It's interesting to hear your experiences - it's been really hard to get in contact with other parents whose children are prescribed this medication.

 

I don't know how risperidone works on austistic children - actually, I don't think that the doctors do either. I was alarmed at first when I learned that it is an anti-psychotic used in the circumstances that Ali describes. But then, my doctor pointed out that the class of drugs isn't relevant - it's just that there is a different use for this medication than was originally intended. It's a bit like aspirin turning out to be good for certain heart conditions.

 

I don't feel that risperidone 'suppresses' my son's anxiety - it feels more like it treats it. The factors that give rise to his anxiety (ie his autism) are still there, and he still gets anxious. It's just that he gets less anxious, and more able to handle his feelings, than before.

 

As for the jeckel and hyde school/home thing, it sounds very familiar - there's a useful thread here called the passive child/pretending to be normal.

 

Finally, here's a link to an article about research on children taking risperidone http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/347/5/314

 

Elanor

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Hi Eleanor

 

Good analogy there, with aspirin and heart conditions. That's exactly what I meant!

 

They don't really know why Risperidone works in elderly either, but it does for some and it is around the anxiety issue. There's a certain satage in dementia when the anxiety is terrible - these people know that they're lost in a fog, but can't control it, and it drives them daft. We always say to each other, it'll be great for them when the illness progresses beyond that stage, as it's such a torment.

 

Must be similar whatever anxiety you feel and whatever the cause.

 

love Ali xx

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Went to see consultant today about our John (10yro dd Aspergers about 4 mths ago).

 

Ever since his dg he has been in a downward spiral getting ever more out of control, tics getting more pronounced and frequent and increasingly aggressive behaviour. His endearing quality of always arguing that black is white and heaping scorn on any of us who make errors in speech etc have also stepped up a gear.

 

School didnt help by excluding him from the playground for a term and the poor lad is seriously angry and sad. Its a real obstacle for him at school now.

 

The doctor raised the possibility of trialling him on Respiridone.

Suggesting a start of 0.25mg and upping to 0.5 when poss.

 

Its been useful reading the threads here, I am biased towards giving it a go and Janet (mbh) is unsure.

 

any words of wisdom gratefully received

 

:unsure:

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My son (11) has been on rispiridone for 4 weeks now to curb his violent behaviour towards my me and my wife and his younger brother who is as normal as he can be considering.

 

I never thought I would ever experience him trying to punch me in the face and at that point knew we had to try a different drug. He was on 300mg of carbomazepin twice a day which did not seem to work - we think he just outgrew and became immune to it as the dosage kept being increased.

 

Since he has been on rispiridone there has been an improvement in his agressive streak although it still rises to the surface occasionally but he seems to be able to control it a little better. We have also put a big punch bag in his bedroom to take out his anger on rather than us! this is also good for me as well to release my pent up frustrations!!

 

The only down side is he is constantly hungry and become a bit more fussy with food saying the things he likes taste funny. One of the side effects we were told about was weight gain but to date he hasn't put on any as he keeps fit through playing football for a local team.

 

Good luck

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Woodstock - reading your post - so similar - I am worried about the weight gain but my lad is a virtual recluse so it is really hard trying to increase his energy levels.

 

The only down side is he is constantly hungry and become a bit more fussy with food saying the things he likes taste funny.

 

I am getting that too - I had thought it was a cold coming on - but it "fits better" that it is the tablets - a lightbulb went off when I read that. Thank you :)

 

I love this forum. :clap:

 

Carol

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Hi

 

My son did gain quite a bit of weight during his first 8 months or so on Risperidone. We worked very hard at a family healthy eating/exercise campaign - which my son really bought into. Over the last few months - it's been nearly a year since he was first prescribed - his weight gain has levelled off, and he's not significantly overweight now.

 

I'm very pleased that the good effects of the medication have continued - and we've have also reduced the dosage. He has gained in size, being a year older - and this also effectively reduces the dosage (ie body mass to drug ratio).

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Hello Angus , woodstock Elanor and All.

 

Mu 10 year old asperger boy is on risperidone, for 8wweks or so now. Like you Angus I was in turmoil whether to give him the medication. Thanks to elanor and others, and after following their advice to voice my concerns with the doctor we went ahead.

 

We too were suddenly experiencing big problems at school. Much worse than usual, more violent outbursts threat of exclusion etc.

 

We started with the medication during a school break and after he returned we kept on getting phone calls from the school. Not complaining as was usually the case but praising how good he has been.

 

At home there are hardly any tantrums, compared to before. I would say his sleep pattern is slightly affected but I cant say if that is connected and it isn't too serious.

 

The weight gain? yes he is wanting to eat more, but on the opther hand he is quite happy to take more exercise than he did before. He does want outside more often.

 

Despite all this, yes I do feel a tad guilty BUT I believe that it is on my son's best interests , not everyone elses, and while I still believe that I'll continue with it.

 

Good Luck

Mike

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Further to my last message. We are seeing the consultant for the first time since using the risperdol and we asked our lad's teacher if she could write a small note explaining his behaviour since using the med. It looks pretty stark in writing but I guess that's how it was in school. Mike Interim Report:

 

[b]Prior to clinical intervention:[/b]

 

D found it very difficult to relate appropriately to his peers. He was aggressive, domineering, disruptive and increasingly prone to violent outbursts. He was often defiant, unco-operative and offensive in word and gesture. He was clearly unable to remain on given tasks. He was restless, moody and unable to concentrate. Positive reinforcement strategies implemented by the school were partially successful but insufficient to prevent the violence, which was steadily increasing. He rejected support staff and was intimidatory to his classmates. He seemed to enjoy a sense of increased power.

Perceived slights often resulted in significant attacks on peers and staff. His response to slights, perceived or genuine, was invariably extreme and potentially dangerous to self and others. His work output was minimal and evidence of his learning was consequently limited.

 

Post clinical intervention:

 

D has become much calmer in class. He is able to concentrate for longer periods and has been completing tasks cheerfully and successfully. He is able to use his individual timetable well and has taken responsibility for a number of additional tasks within the class. He manifests more appropriate behaviour although he still needs clarification at times. He is now more able to articulate his needs and has established a sound rapport with his teacher. There is an increased level of trust between himself and others. His peers are less likely to shy away in fear although some remain a little wary.

 

Towards the afternoon it is clear he is becoming tired and irritable. he is more agitated in the afternoon but it is much better than previously. he finds it difficult to manage his behaviour appropriately and struggles to accept/follow instructions.

 

From a school perspective, he has made good progress since the start of the trial. He is trying to interact positively and seems more relaxed. He laughs more and sings as he works. His sense of humour has become more pronounced and he is more aware of his achievements than before. Participation is still on an elective level but he is more easily persuaded than before. There is room for improvement but D's school experience is markedly more positive and productive. I will continue to monitor his progress closely. I hope this report has been helpful, but should you require further details please feel free to contact me at the school.

 

 

Principal Teacher

22/11/04

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Mike

 

What wonderful progress. It's clear that your son was in need of help, and that he's responding really well. I'm sure he must feel much happier, and much more able to take advantage of the school's attempts at positive intervention.

 

Here's to a good Christmas for you all.

 

Elanor :wine:

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Can I add too that since my son has been on Risperdol family and school life has improved, reading MBROWN s letter from school was like reading my own sons reports a couple of years ago, things couldn t of gotten any worse from then(he was on a form of prozac then) but since changing to Risperdol my son has got calmer, concentrated better at school and is showing a few emotions which he never did before, I too didn t want my son on medication but we tryed every other avenue, I put it all down to the Risperdol.

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Hello Noetic, Elanor & Penny, Thanks for those replies. It's always good to know that there are others who really know what it is like. It makes a big difference having someone to chat to about it.

 

Mike

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B)

 

thanks for the good news bites, we have been wrestling with whether to use meds or not. Its encouraging to hear your experience and take strength from it.

 

Having finally got to the point of trialing, now we cant get him to take it. he is extremely suspicious and refuses point blank to take the medicine.

 

So any tips from you all would again be gratefully received.

 

Thand god that we have somewhere to raise these issues!

 

:unsure:

 

Angus

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Hi Angus, We can't get our lad to take medicines either. After telling the doctor that our boy wouldn't take the tablet form, the doc suggested the liquid version. This can be more easily disguised in a small glass of juice, milk etc. I wonder why they never tell us about that straight away??

Mike

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Hello all. I wanted to ask your advice/ opinion on medication for a younger child than most (if not all) are who are discussed in this thread.

 

My son is almost 6 but in behaviour at school appears to be much like Mikes son (before the medication). What is really worrying for us and his school is the violence which has been present since very early years, and any progress made seems to be temporary..... like cycles of behaviour.

 

After asking our GP for another referal, we are waiting for a call from the psychologist to hopefully go and discuss with him the behaviours of concern and treatments or programs which may help. I am looking to discuss some sort of behaviour management, although the condition which my son has been diagnosed with (PDA) makes things more difficult in that area, or medication.

 

I have read posts on here and on another forum where medication such as risperdol and Strattera have been used to reduce/eliminate behaviours such as violence/ mood swings etc in children with autistic spectrum disorders.

 

I wonder if it would be a good thing to do now, or should it be after we have exhausted every other option, or thirdly we could look at medication alongside the other things which may be offered?

 

I will be a bit scared of asking about medication to be honest, I don't want the doctor to think that I am looking for an 'easy solution' (from our point of view as parents, i.e if we can't deal with behaviour then medicate him), but I really do think that if the aggresive reactions were limited then he would progress much better in other ways....

 

:tearful:

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Westie

 

That's a tough call - particularly as your son's diagnosis is PDA rather than Asperger's. Is there any research data on the responses of children with PDA to medication?

 

My son's psychiatrist did toy with the idea of PDA, but decided against it because there are circumstances where my son was willing to accept instructions (eg at school). Isn't it rather an unusual diagnosis? I'd be interested to learn more about it.

 

In my view medication doesn't have to be a course of last resort - although I think many professionals see it that way. I think that if my son's case had been looked at more closely, including his management at home, we could have brought forward the medication and run it along side the behaviour management programme he attended (and the parenting programme we had to go through - none of it specific to AS I might add).

 

Actually, I wonder if there is any evidence that behavioural modification programmes make a substantial and sustained reduction in the aggression of children like ours?

 

To be honest, you have nothing to lose in suggesting medication - and then be guided by the professional (provided he is at least a doctor), but be satisfied that the professional really knows what he is talking about. If you don't get a response that shows he's familiar with the literature and recent developments, and is comfortable discussing the subject with you, then look for someone more qualified to offer you an opinion!

 

I'm beginning to sound belligerant - it's just that sometimes professionals meddle with these difficult and complex children when they are just out of their depth. :angry:

 

I hope this is of some use.

 

Elanor

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What is really worrying for us and his school is the violence which has been present since very early years, and any progress made seems to be temporary..... like cycles of behaviour.

The cycles... could be bipolar... it seems that many ASD kids who have severe aggression problems actually have childhood onset bipolar as a co-morbid.

 

In any case I'd lay off the Strattera and try Risperidone first - Strattera can mess with the cycling if he does have bipolar. Once his moods are stabilised, Strattera etc. can still be added.

Edited by Noetic

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I've had a good read through all of the posts and i must say it makes interesting reading.

I can't help but feel that Respiridol could be very beneficial for Lewis.

His violence and temper tantrums have always been really bad but it's only getting worse. In fact it's pretty horrendous and a real worry, the nursery are concerned for the sdafety of the children as he is getting stronger by the day it would seem.

The other day i took him in and his learning assisstant was talking to him and he screamed in her face (he was beetroot red) "Shut up you f****** b***h!" she ignored it but its awful and i really felt it for her.(she hasn't got formal training for teaching kids with ASDs but an Autism teacher is going in and talking her through things) He speaks to me in the same way usually im a freak or a b**ch with a lot of f words inbetween.

He is also extremely violent towards anyone, me, my partner, teachers his peers. I'm sure that some of the professionals are thinking i'm neurotic in that i am looking to have him priviatley assessed for ODD, conduct disorder, Bipolar (in fact some are positively insulted that we are having it done priviately!) It's amust i think if he is to stand a chance in later life (and now for that matter) What i am wondering is if he were to be prescribed Respiridol now would it improve his prognosis if he has indeed got any of the conditions i mentioned?

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You say that your son is in nursery, so I'm assuming that he is no more than 4 years old. From my very limited knowledge, I suspect that it is rare in this country for such a young child to be treated with Risperidone (brand name Risperdal). I have heard of it being used with young children in the US (OASIS website).

 

Your son's behaviour sounds extreme, although it is very much the sort of behaviour reported by other parents (including myself) on this forum in children with Asperger's. I tend to take the view that if a parent has adjusted homelife to suit the autistic child, and employs an appropriate standard of parenting (and I'm sure that the vast majority of us do), then medication should be given serious and rational consideration.

 

I don't think that Risperidone is capable of altering a child's prognosis in Autistic Spectrum Disorders - it's just a treatment, appropriate for certain types of problems. I have little knowledge of the other conditions you mention - it sounds like you are not sure that your child has been thoroughly diagnosed.

 

You need to find a specialist in ASDs (if that's the condition that your son has) who can advise you properly.

 

Elanor

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Elanor,

My son was five in September and is still in nursery due to the fact i deferred him from school for a year so he could have the relevant therapies.

There is no doubt in my mind that his diagnosis of AS (March) is completely accurate. ODD,CD and Bipolar are Mental Health conditions and therefor behaviour therapy and medication are used widely for these. I do know that early diagnosis is vital for the prognosis thus the priviate assessments.

Lewis's consultant who dx him earlier this year has referred him to a Clinical Psychologist for further assessments but the waiting time for this is around the 7 month mark. Considering the farce i had trying to get Lewis extra help in Nursery and the wait we had whilst one was appointed i intend to be one step ahead of the game this time, this is also why i have requested a Record of Needs as his needs werenot being met adequatley.

I have gone down every avenue to try and eliminate reasons as to why his behaviour is so extreme, from Occupational Therapy for his sensory issues to specialist eye tests where he may need coloured filters to help him out with pattern glare, to behavior charts, and courses for both of us. So what is left to pick holes in.......Oh, yes, the home life. For the record, there are many things that could cause these problems an genetics is one of them.The fact that Lewis comes from a long line of violent alcoholics (paternal) sticks in my mind a bit.

Unfortunatley the only thing i haven't managed to eliminate is the patronising people we all seem to come into contact with on a regular basis.

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Kirstie

I really hope you didn't think I was patronising you - it's just that I can come across a bit formal sometimes. It's probably the bit of aspie in me. Elanor.

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Elanor,

I did feel a bit patronised to be honest, but that was yesterday and today is a new day!

We really have tried everything. All i want isfor my son to be happy. I had a great childhood and loved School, i just want him to have the same happy memories and experiences that i did. I also feel he is very bright and want to try and alleviate his anxieties/ aggression so he has a chance to learn at school and have lasting friendships, as things stand mostly kids are frightened of him.

I realise many ASD children can exhibit these behaviours but i reallybelieve theres a bit more going on that needs to be addressed. I'm a bit like a dog with a bone and feel the need to have it aknowledged by the professionals. :(

kirstie

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