I need advice on meds

[Guest guest]

I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very low

functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive

over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally punch

or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during this

time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the

house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. We've

never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a

happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for Wednesday

with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any

advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what didn't.

Are there any big side effects I should know about.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Guest guest]

What are OCD behaviors. Is he pooping his pants or just wetting? Could he have a bladder infection or a bacterial infection that is ruining his disposition? It sounds like he's frustrated because he can't communicate.lalenox91 wrote: I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very low functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally punch or throw things. His OCD behaviors have

also escalated during this time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.) Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. We've never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for Wednesday with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what didn't. Are there any big side effects I should know about.Thanks in advance for your help!

[Guest guest]

He's peeing and pooping in his pants. We had 2 days last week with

no accidents and then it started again.

As far as OCD behaviors.....he's obsessed with smelling my ear. If

I'm not around he fixates on someone else's ear, but if I'm around

it's me. He also does not want the cushions and pillows on the sofa

and takes them off repeatedly during the day. He has been moving

furniture around the house, blocking doors, etc.... He's also brings

me and his dad things around the house (all sorts of things...

videos, dishes, towels, shoes) and obsesses about how we are holding

whatever he's given us. It might take him 5 minutes to let go of

the object until our fingers are positioned " just right " . Between

the smelling and the holding things, my life is at a standstill. No

matter what, he won't stop. I can't cook, watch tv, read a

book....anything. I'm a teacher and this is the first summer I ever

that I wanted school to start back ASAP.

OCD

> I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very

low

> functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive

> over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally

punch

> or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during this

> time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

> behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the

> house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

>

> Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable.

We've

> never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a

> happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for

Wednesday

> with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any

> advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what

didn't.

> Are there any big side effects I should know about.

>

> Thanks in advance for your help!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

What does OCD stand for? Have you tried chelation therapy? Have you tried any special diets? Who takes care of him while you're teaching school? Have you asked that person for any advice? He might benefit from neurofeedback therapy. What do you do to control his behavior? Maybe you need to exert some external control over him to enable him to gain more control over his own behaviors. I realize this is easier said than done. I don't believe any kind of drugs will really help him. Drugs don't help nerves to develop nor do they increase the intelligence of a child.lalenox91 wrote: He's peeing and pooping in his pants. We had 2 days last week with no accidents and then it started again.As far as OCD behaviors.....he's obsessed with smelling my ear. If I'm not around he fixates on someone else's ear, but if I'm around it's me. He also does not want the cushions and pillows on the sofa and takes them off repeatedly during the day. He has been moving furniture around the house, blocking doors, etc.... He's also brings me and his dad things around the house (all sorts of things... videos, dishes, towels, shoes) and obsesses about how we are holding whatever he's given us. It might take him 5 minutes to let go of the object until our fingers are positioned "just right".

Between the smelling and the holding things, my life is at a standstill. No matter what, he won't stop. I can't cook, watch tv, read a book....anything. I'm a teacher and this is the first summer I ever that I wanted school to start back ASAP. OCD > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very low > functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will

occasionally punch > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during this > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.) > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. We've > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for Wednesday > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what didn't. > Are there any big side effects I should know about.> > Thanks in advance for your help!> > >

[Guest guest]

OCD is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder!

Stacie B

Aurora IL

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: I need advice on meds

What does OCD stand for?

 

Have you tried chelation therapy? Have you tried any special diets?

 

Who takes care of him while you're teaching school? Have you asked that person

for any advice?

 

He might benefit from neurofeedback therapy.

 

What do you do to control his behavior? Maybe you need to exert some external

control over him to enable him to gain more control over his own behaviors. I

realize this is easier said than done.

 

I don't believe any kind of drugs will really help him. Drugs don't help nerves

to develop nor do they increase the intelligence of a child.

lalenox91 wrote:

He's peeing and pooping in his pants. We had 2 days last week with

no accidents and then it started again.

As far as OCD behaviors.....he's obsessed with smelling my ear. If

I'm not around he fixates on someone else's ear, but if I'm around

it's me. He also does not want the cushions and pillows on the sofa

and takes them off repeatedly during the day. He has been moving

furniture around the house, blocking doors, etc.... He's also brings

me and his dad things around the house (all sorts of things...

videos, dishes, towels, shoes) and obsesses about how we are holding

whatever he's given us. It might take him 5 minutes to let go of

the object until our fingers are positioned " just right " . Between

the smelling and the holding things, my life is at a standstill. No

matter what, he won't stop. I can't cook, watch tv, read a

book....anything. I'm a teacher and this is the first summer I ever

that I wanted school to start back ASAP.

OCD

> I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very

low

> functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive

> over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally

punch

> or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during this

> time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

> behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the

> house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

>

> Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable.

We've

> never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a

> happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for

Wednesday

> with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any

> advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what

didn't.

> Are there any big side effects I should know about.

>

> Thanks in advance for your help!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, we've tried diets and chelation. He's currently on GFCF which

helps some with meltdowns and hurting himself, though. We've tried

everything....spent 10's of thousands of dollars.

He's almost 10, and at this point I'm trying to keep him from

seriously hurting someone and hope to keep him out of an

institution. So, if I have to medicate him to keep him at home and

keep my family safe, you bet I will. But I'm also doing it for

him. He used to be a happy boy, and he's lost that. I know he'll

never have a job, get married, drive a car, or do any of the other

things most of us take for granted. But if he has a happy life,

that will be okay. And I will do everything in my power to make

sure that happens.

So don't judge my decision to do this. It's been a hard decision,

and I've put this off as long as I could.

> > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very

> low

> > functioning in all areas. has become more and more

aggressive

> > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally

> punch

> > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during

this

> > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

> > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the

> > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

> >

> > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable.

> We've

> > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had

a

> > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for

> Wednesday

> > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate

any

> > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what

> didn't.

> > Are there any big side effects I should know about.

> >

> > Thanks in advance for your help!

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

We have tried just about all the meds on Karac. Some of them would work for a short while and then have side effects and the aggression would continue. The best meds that worked with the least side effects were Xanax and Clonidine. Karac is almost 16 and two years ago we took him off all meds and he did great, but since school has been out he has had a meltdown almost every day. He does recognize when they are coming on and he will go out in the back yard and stay until he calms down so that he doesn't hurt anyone, but we may have to try meds again. I understand where you are coming from. Pat K**************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

[Guest guest]

Respectfully---this is a chancy statement ( " ...No medicine will help

him... " ). It isn't all or nothing with these kids. Some are benefited

greatly with Antidepressants, especially when there are things other

than Autism going on. OCD can be very debilitating...SSRI's while not

for everyone, and certainly not for most young kids, can and do help.

Serotonin their quick re-uptake, have been associated with OCD.

Medicine may not be the answer--- but the assumption that NO drug will

help him, is not only chancy it is discouraging for parent who may have

tried everything.

[Guest guest]

> " So don't judge my decision to do this. It's been a hard decision,

> and I've put this off as long as I could. "

You have made a very hard decision---and I applaud you! Not one of

us knows if it will help, but if all else has failed, and or you are

comfortable with what you've tried, and it hasn't made the impact You

think he needs---than go for it.

WE as mom's are trying so hard to help our children. The women who

do no drugs and do chelatan are...the women who choose to do it

another way where maybe it's diet, and something else are...and the

mother's who resort to meds are indeed---I can tell that this was

hard for you, and I say, " you are his voice, his advocate...God gave

him to you, and you are wonderful in that you are trying to help

him. " May God bless you...and may your child find the peace he so

deserves.

" No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do

your own work. " ~ Mother

[Guest guest]

Have you tried GABA? That's an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps put the brakes on other neurotransmitters. It normally helps reduce anxieties, but perhaps it can also help with rage. Rage is probably a symptom of too much adrenaline. Adrenaline is made from noreadrenalin which is made from dopamine which is made from the amino acid tyrosine.

Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan and tyrosine compete with each other for the same receptor sites. Serotonin and dopamine need to be in balance. My guess is that he needs more serotonin. Serotonin works synergistically with GABA.

Tryptophan is also used to make vitamin B3, and when there is a shortage of B3, tryptophan gets used up and then you end up with shortages of serotonin. Try vitamin B3 for starters.

I haven't had any luck with GABA supplements. Maybe I haven't used them long enough.

I think neurofeedback can help with OCD behaviors.

Try your search engine to find neurofeedback and OCD, and see if this is a viable solution.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Sage

Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 8:04 AM

Yes, we've tried diets and chelation. He's currently on GFCF which helps some with meltdowns and hurting himself, though. We've tried everything.. ..spent 10's of thousands of dollars. He's almost 10, and at this point I'm trying to keep him from seriously hurting someone and hope to keep him out of an institution. So, if I have to medicate him to keep him at home and keep my family safe, you bet I will. But I'm also doing it for him. He used to be a happy boy, and he's lost that. I know he'll never have a job, get married, drive a car, or do any of the other things most of us take for granted. But if he has a happy life, that will be okay. And I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens. So don't judge my decision to do this. It's been a hard decision, and I've put this off as long as I could. > > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very > low > > functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive > > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally > punch > > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated

during this > > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting > > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the > > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.) > > > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. > We've > > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a > > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for > Wednesday > > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any > > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what > didn't. > > Are there any big side effects I should know about.> > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > > >>

[Guest guest]

I have an 11yr old son and I started seeing a change in his " behavior "

right around age 8. I did the GFCF diet,supplements,took him to a

child psych who for some reason felt that SSRI's would make things

worse(yeah..hold that thought) Here's what happened

...Risperdal,Metadate,seraquel,abilify,adderal ER,buspirone

(buspar).None of these helped.In our experience anti-psychotic drugs

is where we saw more side effects and possibly making a bad situation

worse. I strongly suggest looking at SSRI's first.Now I am at the same

fork in the road again with my son.I get where you're coming from.My

son has tremendous anxiety/panic episodes.

He's injurous to himself(scratching himself till there;s blood) I know

what you mean about the pinching,my arm is black/blue and he has scars

from his SIB.He's also very strong,he's small frame but when he get's

to that " Fight/flight " response..he can be uncontrollable. So,yes..it

is a hard decision but it sounds like you have tried several things

before arriving at this point and any good doctor would recommend you

do so before even contemplating meds.It's something that once you

start you have to commit to riding it out . Anxiety ,stress,aggressive

behaviors are something you want to get on top of because they can

snow ball into other issues.For some of us this is a very real

situation..keeping our children with us and out of institutions .I'd

rather my child be under a dr's care and under my roof than anywhere else.

Do what you need to do to get your son healthy by making informed

decisions.Know what your options are..read up on the meds..make a list

of questions for your dr and most of all follow your instincts.

Good luck to you and your family..

Stacey

> > > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very

> > low

> > > functioning in all areas. has become more and more

> aggressive

> > > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally

> > punch

> > > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during

> this

> > > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

> > > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the

> > > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

> > >

> > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable.

> > We've

> > > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had

> a

> > > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for

> > Wednesday

> > > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate

> any

> > > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what

> > didn't.

> > > Are there any big side effects I should know about.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance for your help!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Stacey,

Your list of meds was practically identical to what I've tried with my 11 year old. Believe me, when your son holds a knife to your throat and says he's going to kill you, you'll try any medication there is. Now that school is out my boy is doing well because he has no pressures. A month ago he was still threatening to kill people and it didn't matter if it was a kid or an adult, he fights. He's been on the psych unit 3 times but basically that just gives me a couple of days feeling safe. He has also been arrested for domestic violence against me when he was 10. He was totally out of control. If he gets violent like that again, out he goes. I've told him that he has a right to feel safe and protected in his home and so do I. I love him but if he kills me I won't be there to protect him. So, I just don't buy into this "I'll keep him home no matter what" feeling. I used to say the same thing but when you find your

self thinking about hiding the knives (which I did), it's time for your kid to live somewhere else for a while. My son just moved home after almost a year. I saw him all the time and stayed very involved but I had the chance to regroup and not have to spend every waking moment making decisions or dealing with his issues. Now (with a lot of therapy for both of us) we are stronger than ever. It won't last but I'll ride this wave as long as I can. My goal at this point is to give him other tools to use besides anger because as he's getting bigger and stronger, eventually he's going to kill someone. He's a pussycat lately as I've been using new expressions to help his self esteem. I just fear that lion inside who is going to make an appearance when my son starts middle school soon. That is going to be incredibly difficult for him and I fear he'll go after anyone because he doesn't have the social skills to understand what's going on (aspe

rger's). He misinterprets everything and gets angry and violent. As they say, I'll cross that bridge .... right now, we're calm.

Judie

-------------- Original message --------------

I have an 11yr old son and I started seeing a change in his "behavior"right around age 8. I did the GFCF diet,supplements,took him to achild psych who for some reason felt that SSRI's would make thingsworse(yeah..hold that thought) Here's what happened...Risperdal,Metadate,seraquel,abilify,adderal ER,buspirone(buspar).None of these helped.In our experience anti-psychotic drugsis where we saw more side effects and possibly making a bad situationworse. I strongly suggest looking at SSRI's first.Now I am at the samefork in the road again with my son.I get where you're coming from.Myson has tremendous anxiety/panic episodes.He's injurous to himself(scratching himself till there;s blood) I knowwhat you mean about the pinching,my arm is black/blue and he has scarsfrom his SIB.He's also very strong,he's small frame but when he get'sto that "Fight/flight" response..he can be uncontrollable. So,yes..itis

a hard decision but it sounds like you have tried several thingsbefore arriving at this point and any good doctor would recommend youdo so before even contemplating meds.It's something that once youstart you have to commit to riding it out . Anxiety ,stress,aggressivebehaviors are something you want to get on top of because they cansnow ball into other issues.For some of us this is a very realsituation..keeping our children with us and out of institutions .I'drather my child be under a dr's care and under my roof than anywhere else.Do what you need to do to get your son healthy by making informeddecisions.Know what your options are..read up on the meds..make a listof questions for your dr and most of all follow your instincts.Good luck to you and your family..Stacey> > > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very > > low > > > functioning in all areas. has become more and more > aggressive > > > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally > > punch > > > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during > this > > > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting > > > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the > > > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.) > > > > > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. > > We've > > > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had > a > > > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for > > Wednesday > > > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate > any > > > advice about what you all have tried....w

hat worked and what > > didn't. > > > Are there any big side effects I should know about.> > > > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > > > > > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Clonidine seems to be the best thing for Karac with no side effects at a low dosage. He isn't on anything now, but if I thought he needed meds again; it would be Clonidine. I'm glad it is working for you. Pat K**************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

[Guest guest]

We have seen a difference in my 6 yr old since starting on Clonidine 0.1 mg. The

dose

started at .025, and now we're at 0.05 and can go up to the whole dose if we

feel it's

necessary. We have not seen ANY 'tics' in our son since starting it. He would go

through

weeks of having 'grunts' or excessive eye blinks, to the point that he told us

he wished he

could stop 'making that sound'. That was our turning point, and the medication I

had

avoided from previous doctor recommendations now found it's way into our med

cabinet.

We saw his neurologist, Dr. Bebin, yesterday and discussed the time release

patch but

since he has very sensitive skin we decided not to do it. In addition, the patch

starts at .1,

whereas we are just doing the .05. We have noticed him being sleepy about 2 hrs

after the

med but not 'sedating' and it goes away pretty fast. We are 'moving' the times

of the day

we are giving it to see how it affects him. The doctor and I discussed moving it

to night

time, that' what's on the table for now....pondering it. We'll just have to see.

It has given

him more calming affects during the day, which has helped his attention span

and....here's my biggie...he's giving more eye contact and participating with

more

conversation that's not just one way.

As for giving it, having him start to take meds was a nightmare. I can (since

the pill is

VERY small) put it into a mini marshmellow and he knows that 'that one' has the

med so it

goes all the way back in his mouth and DON " T CHEW, lol. So, that's the way I'm

getting

him to 'swallow', He flips it side to side, bites 'a little' and then swallows

and gets a few

more to follow it (reward, helps to get it on down, etc.). Zac won't eat m &

m's, skittles, or

basically 'any candy', so this has really been a blessing!

As for the SSRI, we did Lexapro when he was 4 and he DID show improvement, we

had to

stop because I could not get it in him consistently. He started to taste the

liquid in his

milk, he'd gag when I'd put it in a dropper and I couldn't truly gage how much

he was

getting and then we had it 'compounded' into a topical lotion and that didn't

seem to

work. So, by the time we went through all this, it was out of his system. We

tried Metadate

and he truly was VERY IRRITATED and ANGRY on it. We were going to try to

Straterra but I

couldn't get the capsule down him and when I opened it (per a doctor saying ok)

it made

his stomach irritated. Later, I spoke w/ the pharmacist (I called) and he said

not to open it.

I called the drug company and they said that the only study about opening it was

that it

was 'caustic' in the eye's of rats. So, I dropped Straterra. It's not out of the

question for

later now that he's swallowing. As long as this Clonidine is helping with

everything, and

his blood pressure IS FINE, we'll stick w/ it for a while.

Anyhow...there's my med advice ; )

Madison, AL

Zac age 6, PDD NOS, going into 1st grade & very verbal ( & beyond 'hyper', lol)

[Guest guest]

Thanks. This all makes sense with a lot of his symptoms. I'm going

to try the B3.

> > > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very

> > low

> > > functioning in all areas. has become more and more

> aggressive

> > > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally

> > punch

> > > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during

> this

> > > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

> > > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave

the

> > > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

> > >

> > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable.

> > We've

> > > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he

had

> a

> > > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for

> > Wednesday

> > > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate

> any

> > > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what

> > didn't.

> > > Are there any big side effects I should know about.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance for your help!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

We got NADH from our Dan Dr because our son was low on b3. you might want to try that?

38 and Mom to threeTasha 23..new Mommy ( means I am a Grammy )Casey-Mae 13..sweet as pieElijah 2.. ASD and beautiful

Re: I need advice on meds

Thanks. This all makes sense with a lot of his symptoms. I'm going to try the B3.> > > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very > > low > > > functioning in all areas. has become more and more > aggressive > > > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally > > punch > > > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during > this > > > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting > > > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the > > > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.) > > > > > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. > > We've > > > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had > a > > > happy disposition. So,

I've scheduled the appointment for > > Wednesday > > > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate > any > > > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what > > didn't. > > > Are there any big side effects I should know about.> > > > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > > > > > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Here is the same one our doc gave us. You need to refrigerate it after opening.

http://www.nbnus.net/shopexd.asp?id=288 38 and Mom to threeTasha 23..new Mommy ( means I am a Grammy )Casey-Mae 13..sweet as pieElijah 2.. ASD and beautiful

Re: I need advice on meds

Thanks. This all makes sense with a lot of his symptoms. I'm going to try the B3.> > > I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very > > low > > > functioning in all areas. has become more and more > aggressive > > > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally > > punch > > > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during > this > > > time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting > > > behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the > > > house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.) > > > > > > Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. > > We've > > > never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had > a > > > happy disposition. So,

I've scheduled the appointment for > > Wednesday > > > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate > any > > > advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what > > didn't. > > > Are there any big side effects I should know about.> > > > > > Thanks in advance for your help!> > > > > > > > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi . Our daughter also has problems with perseverative behaviors, it's part of her autism. We presently have her on Paxil, a medication used for depression in adults, though they have found that it helps to reduce some of the perseverations and compulsive behaviors in autistic kids. For our daughter, it hasn't completely eliminated the behaviors, though it has certainly kept them from ruling her life. Another SSRI commonly given for this is also Zoloft. Our daughter's physician also prescribed the Paxil for her social anxiety. Lately, my daughter has been experiencing increased obsessive behaviors, which makes me think it might be time for a medication "tweak", as she has experienced a major growth spurt in the past year. Good luck.Sue

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! My daughter was diagnosed with a tic disorder about a year and a half ago. She is 9. She is on clonodine too and we just had it raised but dont remember to how much the dose is. She has been on it since she was diagnosed. Anyhow, she will take it at night and about an hour after, like clockwork, she is ready for bed. That has never gone away. It only started when they raised the does the last time and then even more so now since they raised it again. was just diagnosed as being ASD too and has SI. We go for an OT eval for school next week. I did not know they do this in the summer but they do. I would of never thought she had ASD at all. I thought she did have SI though.

Stacie B

Aurora IL

We have seen a difference in my 6 yr old since starting on Clonidine 0.1 mg. The dose started at .025, and now we're at 0.05 and can go up to the whole dose if we feel it's necessary. We have not seen ANY 'tics' in our son since starting it. He would go through weeks of having 'grunts' or excessive eye blinks, to the point that he told us he wished he could stop 'making that sound'. That was our turning point, and the medication I had avoided from previous doctor recommendations now found it's way into our med cabinet. We saw his neurologist, Dr. Bebin, yesterday and discussed the time release patch but since he has very sensitive skin we decided not to do it. In addition, the patch starts at .1, whereas we are just doing the .05. We have noticed him being sleepy about 2 hrs after the med but not 'sedating' and it goes away pretty fast. We are 'moving' the times of the day we are giving it to see how it affects him. The doctor and I discussed moving it to night time, that' what's on the table for now....pondering it. We'll just have to see. It has given him more calming affects during the day, which has helped his attention span and....here's my biggie...he's giving more eye contact and participating with more conversation that's not just one way. As for giving it, having him start to take meds was a nightmare. I can (since the pill is VERY small) put it into a mini marshmellow and he knows that 'that one' has the med so it goes all the way back in his mouth and DON"T CHEW, lol. So, that's the way I'm getting him to 'swallow', He flips it side to side, bites 'a little' and then swallows and gets a few more to follow it (reward, helps to get it on down, etc.). Zac won't eat m & m's, skittles, or basically 'any candy', so this has really been a blessing! As for the SSRI, we did Lexapro when he was 4 and he DID show improvement, we had to stop because I could not get it in him consistently. He started to taste the liquid in his milk, he'd gag when I'd put it in a dropper and I couldn't truly gage how much he was getting and then we had it 'compounded' into a topical lotion and that didn't seem to work. So, by the time we went through all this, it was out of his system. We tried Metadate and he truly was VERY IRRITATED and ANGRY on it. We were going to try to Straterra but I couldn't get the capsule down him and when I opened it (per a doctor saying ok) it made his stomach irritated. Later, I spoke w/ the pharmacist (I called) and he said not to open it. I called the drug company and they said that the only study about opening it was that it was 'caustic' in the eye's of rats. So, I dropped Straterra. It's not out of the question for later now that he's swallowing. As long as this Clonidine is helping with everything, and his blood pressure IS FINE, we'll stick w/ it for a while. Anyhow...there's my med advice ; ) Madison, AL Zac age 6, PDD NOS, going into 1st grade & very verbal ( & beyond 'hyper', lol) Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.

[Guest guest]

Did she develop the tic disorder from the medication? I have read that is a major side effect from taking meds.

Sara

Re: I need advice on meds

! My daughter was diagnosed with a tic disorder about a year and a half ago. She is 9. She is on clonodine too and we just had it raised but dont remember to how much the dose is. She has been on it since she was diagnosed. Anyhow, she will take it at night and about an hour after, like clockwork, she is ready for bed. That has never gone away. It only started when they raised the does the last time and then even more so now since they raised it again. was just diagnosed as being ASD too and has SI. We go for an OT eval for school next week. I did not know they do this in the summer but they do. I would of never thought she had ASD at all. I thought she did have SI though.

Stacie B

Aurora IL

In a message dated 6/26/2008 8:50:13 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, s_eNookknology (DOT) net writes:

We have seen a difference in my 6 yr old since starting on Clonidine 0.1 mg. The dose started at .025, and now we're at 0.05 and can go up to the whole dose if we feel it's necessary. We have not seen ANY 'tics' in our son since starting it. He would go through weeks of having 'grunts' or excessive eye blinks, to the point that he told us he wished he could stop 'making that sound'. That was our turning point, and the medication I had avoided from previous doctor recommendations now found it's way into our med cabinet. We saw his neurologist, Dr. Bebin, yesterday and discussed the time release patch but since he has very sensitive skin we decided not to do it. In addition, the patch starts at .1, whereas we are just doing the .05. We have noticed him being sleepy about 2 hrs after the med but not 'sedating' and it goes away pretty fast. We are 'moving' the times of the day we are giving it to see how it affects him. The doctor and I discussed moving it to night time, that' what's on the table for now....pondering it. We'll just have to see. It has given him more calming affects during the day, which has helped his attention span and....here's my biggie...he's giving more eye contact and participating with more conversation that's not just one way. As for giving it, having him start to take meds was a nightmare. I can (since the pill is VERY small) put it into a mini marshmellow and he knows that 'that one' has the med so it goes all the way back in his mouth and DON"T CHEW, lol. So, that's the way I'm getting him to 'swallow', He flips it side to side, bites 'a little' and then swallows and gets a few more to follow it (reward, helps to get it on down, etc.). Zac won't eat m & m's, skittles, or basically 'any candy', so this has really been a blessing! As for the SSRI, we did Lexapro when he was 4 and he DID show improvement, we had to stop because I could not get it in him consistently. He started to taste the liquid in his milk, he'd gag when I'd put it in a dropper and I couldn't truly gage how much he was getting and then we had it 'compounded' into a topical lotion and that didn't seem to work. So, by the time we went through all this, it was out of his system. We tried Metadate and he truly was VERY IRRITATED and ANGRY on it. We were going to try to Straterra but I couldn't get the capsule down him and when I opened it (per a doctor saying ok) it made his stomach irritated. Later, I spoke w/ the pharmacist (I called) and he said not to open it. I called the drug company and they said that the only study about opening it was that it was 'caustic' in the eye's of rats. So, I dropped Straterra. It's not out of the question for later now that he's swallowing. As long as this Clonidine is helping with everything, and his blood pressure IS FINE, we'll stick w/ it for a while. Anyhow...there's my med advice ; ) Madison, AL Zac age 6, PDD NOS, going into 1st grade & very verbal ( & beyond 'hyper', lol)

Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.

[Guest guest]

Here's a little change of subject. I've read that some autistic children have hyperserotonia, and I don't know what that means. Why would a person have too much serotonin? Could it be because that person lacks enough serotonin receptors? Or could it be he has not enough re-uptake? Or could it be too much dopamine? Could a toxin block the serotonin receptors?

Does anyone know anything about this?

Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 1:10 PM

Respectfully- --this is a chancy statement ("...No medicine will help him..."). It isn't all or nothing with these kids. Some are benefited greatly with Antidepressants, especially when there are things other than Autism going on. OCD can be very debilitating. ..SSRI's while not for everyone, and certainly not for most young kids, can and do help. Serotonin their quick re-uptake, have been associated with OCD. Medicine may not be the answer--- but the assumption that NO drug will help him, is not only chancy it is discouraging for parent who may have tried everything.

[Guest guest]

i recall a workshop I went to recently with Dr. Buzz Mingin. and he had a photo up and described why disabled childen truly can't help behaviors and why meds are good for them. I am at a loss of what thew word was but when directions are given to body from brain it is sent inm these tiny things that leave via a and sucked in via b. a is the direction b is the interpertor. well the directions are bouncy and b may not suck up too many. thus sending them ( normal brains resuck them too) back to a, and they get mixed up with the directions and sent back out confused. meds thus prevent xtra and non sucked up ones from getting back into a. helping b suck them up first.

i hopw i can find the picture and the proper words. but look up Dr Buzz Mingin you all will LOVE him.

debra

Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 1:10 PM

Respectfully- --this is a chancy statement ("...No medicine will help him..."). It isn't all or nothing with these kids. Some are benefited greatly with Antidepressants, especially when there are things other than Autism going on. OCD can be very debilitating. ..SSRI's while not for everyone, and certainly not for most young kids, can and do help. Serotonin their quick re-uptake, have been associated with OCD. Medicine may not be the answer--- but the assumption that NO drug will help him, is not only chancy it is discouraging for parent who may have tried everything.

[Guest guest]

No she was put on this med for the tic disorder!

Stacie B

Aurora IL

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: I need advice on meds

Did she develop the tic disorder from the medication?  I have read that is a

major side effect from taking meds.

 

Sara

 

Re: I need advice on meds

!  My daughter was diagnosed with a tic disorder about a year and a half

ago.  She is 9.  She is on clonodine too and we just had it raised but dont

remember to how much the dose is.  She has been on it since she was diagnosed. 

Anyhow, she will take it at night and about an hour after, like clockwork, she

is ready for bed.  That has never gone away.  It only started when they raised

the does the last time and then even more so now since they raised it again. 

was just diagnosed as being ASD too and has SI.  We go for an OT eval for

school next week.  I did not know they do this in the summer but they do.  I

would of never thought she had ASD at all.  I thought she did have SI though.

 

Stacie B

Aurora IL

 

In a message dated 6/26/2008 8:50:13 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

s_eNook@... writes:

We have seen a difference in my 6 yr old since starting on Clonidine 0.1 mg. The

dose

started at .025, and now we're at 0.05 and can go up to the whole dose if we

feel it's

necessary. We have not seen ANY 'tics' in our son since starting it. He would go

through

weeks of having 'grunts' or excessive eye blinks, to the point that he told us

he wished he

could stop 'making that sound'. That was our turning point, and the medication I

had

avoided from previous doctor recommendations now found it's way into our med

cabinet.

We saw his neurologist, Dr. Bebin, yesterday and discussed the time release

patch but

since he has very sensitive skin we decided not to do it. In addition, the patch

starts at .1,

whereas we are just doing the .05. We have noticed him being sleepy about 2 hrs

after the

med but not 'sedating' and it goes away pretty fast. We are 'moving' the times

of the day

we are giving it to see how it affects him. The doctor and I discussed moving it

to night

time, that' what's on the table for now....pondering it. We'll just have to see.

It has given

him more calming affects during the day, which has helped his attention span

and....here's my biggie...he's giving more eye contact and participating with

more

conversation that's not just one way.

As for giving it, having him start to take meds was a nightmare. I can (since

the pill is

VERY small) put it into a mini marshmellow and he knows that 'that one' has the

med so it

goes all the way back in his mouth and DON " T CHEW, lol. So, that's the way I'm

getting

him to 'swallow', He flips it side to side, bites 'a little' and then swallows

and gets a few

more to follow it (reward, helps to get it on down, etc.). Zac won't eat m &

m's, skittles, or

basically 'any candy', so this has really been a blessing!

As for the SSRI, we did Lexapro when he was 4 and he DID show improvement, we

had to

stop because I could not get it in him consistently. He started to taste the

liquid in his

milk, he'd gag when I'd put it in a dropper and I couldn't truly gage how much

he was

getting and then we had it 'compounded' into a topical lotion and that didn't

seem to

work. So, by the time we went through all this, it was out of his system. We

tried Metadate

and he truly was VERY IRRITATED and ANGRY on it. We were going to try to

Straterra but I

couldn't get the capsule down him and when I opened it (per a doctor saying ok)

it made

his stomach irritated. Later, I spoke w/ the pharmacist (I called) and he said

not to open it.

I called the drug company and they said that the only study about opening it was

that it

was 'caustic' in the eye's of rats. So, I dropped Straterra. It's not out of the

question for

later now that he's swallowing. As long as this Clonidine is helping with

everything, and

his blood pressure IS FINE, we'll stick w/ it for a while.

Anyhow...there's my med advice ; )

Madison, AL

Zac age 6, PDD NOS, going into 1st grade & very verbal ( & beyond 'hyper', lol)

----------------

Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used

cars <http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007> .

[Guest guest]

I don't know...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

OCD behaviors often represent strong anxiety. The more anxious the child is the

more

obsessive/compulsive he becomes. Also, children on the spectrum are often

scared of

" uncertainty " , having a need to control everything that is going on around them.

If

presented with uncertainty, or things are not going as expected, they will

meltdown or act

out to control the uncertainty. This builds more anxiety, which makes the child

more rigid

and inflexible. The hitting and pinching can result as a way to control the

uncertainty and

to release stress chemicals from the nervous system. Once the stress chemicals

build in

the nervous system the child will seek out pinching, hitting, biting, throwing

things, etc as

a way of physically releasing the stress chemicals. If the anxiety is strong

you might want

to consider a small dose of medication. However, I would also try two things:

1. Add strong structure and predictability to your son's daily routine. I

would consider

using a picture schedule so he can see what is coming up next and what he has

completed. Using pictures helps reduce anxiety of uncertainty. The more

structured and

predictable the daily routine the less anxiety.

2. I would get a OT at school to design a sensory diet for your son. This

would consist of

physical activities throughout the day to help calm and organize his nervous

system, so

the stress chemicals do not build up to aggressive stages. It would lessen his

anxiety, and

help him accept changes better.

Bill

>

> I am the mother of ....9 years old, nonverbal, very low

> functioning in all areas. has become more and more aggressive

> over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally punch

> or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated during this

> time. About a month ago he starting regressing in toileting

> behaviors. We now have to put a pull-up on him when we leave the

> house. (He started bedwetting at the same time.)

>

> Anyway, life at our house has become more and more unbearable. We've

> never had him on any medication, because until last fall he had a

> happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for Wednesday

> with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciate any

> advice about what you all have tried....what worked and what didn't.

> Are there any big side effects I should know about.

>

> Thanks in advance for your help!

>

>

>