I need advice on meds

[Guest guest]

Again...thanks so much for offering your expertise and time. I realize

this answer was not intended for me…but it has helped me so much!

At what age do they start meds? I hope not too young---do they wait

till you have tried everything? Or is it the first thing recommended.

I know the answers in adults, but do not as they relate to children.

I hear so many horror stories regarding children and meds. But it is

my " educated " assumption that they do work for some kids on the

spectrum—especially those who display debilitating anxiety/OCD like

behaviors.

Thanks again.

[Guest guest]

I see children as young as three on medication. That is pretty young, but if

the anxiety is

so severe that they are abusing themselves, or so agitated that they cannot sit

still or

learn, then medication may be warranted. Again, I am a psychologist/behavior

specialist,

not a psychiatrist. You want to try everything else first. Try a sensory diet

first. I would

not wait for other therapies at this time. I do a lot of Applied Behavior

Analysis (ABA) but I

would want the nervous system organized as soon as possible. It will effect all

learning.

For all young children I also recommend using simple sensory motor regulatory

patterns

(simple interactive play) to promote attachment and emotional bonding with you.

This

attachment becomes important in teaching the child to share emotion with you,

reference

your face for information, teach joint attention, encourage reciprocal

interaction, and teach

your child to follow your lead. These characteristics are often deficit in

children on the

spectrum, and are important for further socialization. I also do a three hour

presentation

to teach parents how to do these simple play interactions, but I could send you

the power

point (this one I have in a PDF file also) and the list of activities that I

recommend.

Bill

>

> Again...thanks so much for offering your expertise and time. I realize

> this answer was not intended for me…but it has helped me so much!

>

> At what age do they start meds? I hope not too young---do they wait

> till you have tried everything? Or is it the first thing recommended.

> I know the answers in adults, but do not as they relate to children.

>

> I hear so many horror stories regarding children and meds. But it is

> my " educated " assumption that they do work for some kids on the

> spectrum—especially those who display debilitating anxiety/OCD like

> behaviors.

>

> Thanks again.

>

[Guest guest]

Pardon me. My computer is slow, and I don't have time to go through all my e-mail. I'm starting to answer some of my oldest mail.

I'm not judging you. I know the desperation of parents, and I know your situation is a lot worse than mine.

Have you ever heard of the gut brain? The gut has neurotransmitters just like the brain, so if something goes wrong with the gut, it can disrupt the neurotransmitters. If your child has been messing his pants and digressing, I would suspect he has some digestive disturbances and a toxic colon. Our environment is loaded with toxic microorganisms and superbugs. You may need to supply him with some super probiotics, digestive enzymes, and possibly some hydrochloric acid.

I presume you give him non-chlorinate water.

If his secretin producing cells are blocked from too much mucous, the hydrochoric acid won't help, and he may need a secretin infusion to prevent acid reflux. If he has a problem with too much mucous blocking secretin production, the specific carbohydrate diet may help.

Secretin's not for everybody. It didn't help my daughter, and she seemed to get temporarily worse.

Before you use drugs to try to manipulate a better neurotransmitter balance, take care of the gut. At least get him the super probiotics.

Love, Sylvia

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

>" 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]

Yes we are going to wait for the others...as I know they will not benefit at this time.

We are so blessed in that our son is really attached. We do lots of play kind of therapy with him. He does great at home, but not in crowded, noisy places. I carry my children until they are 8, only kidding. My babies are bonded for sure.

He is social, and does "share" his joy with me...we are blessed. His main thing is biting his hand, not good with therapists, cannot handle nursery at church or Mom's day out stuff. We have tried to expose him to all things......sand which he likes, water/pool therapy with us, he adores...he loves to swing and spin, and fall back on pillows or beanbags...he will do playful things "with" his sister...mind you, not like a "typical" child, but good for him.

Reading the out of sync child has made me feel less afraid, as he is such a puzzle, but they talk about that...he on one hand seems to have social skills, bonding kind of skills, and then on the other, cannot handle people he doesn't know, people who are too loud, and or too fast too soon, like I said before, crowds, new experiences, and fluorescent lights are the worst...if someone tries to talk him out of being upset, it makes it worse, if they try to hold him, and or rock him in a rocking chair, watch out. The PT says he's not violent, but he will not let her touch him.--he is an absolute train wreck at the PT place...it is tactile, and others...

I do thank you for your help...I am going to share your insights with my husband.

[Guest guest]

One warning about B3. One type of B3 is niacin, and it is a vasodilator. It causes a heat flush, followed by chills. Sometimes it can cause upset stomachs and dizzyness. The other kind of B3 is niacinamide and doesn't cause these symptoms.

Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 10:28 AM

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]

I had forgotten about that one. NADH is an antioxidant but much more expensive than niacinamide.

Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 10:05 AM

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]

Sylvia,

As far as I know, GABA doe snot cross the blood-brain barrier, so a GABA

supplement will not work because the substance will not get to the brain. I

don't remember whether there are drugs/supplements that will " convert " to

GABA in the brain. Benzodiazepines increase GABA levels but they are very

addictive when used long-term.

Astrid

astrid@...

http://www.astridvanwoerkom.com/

Re: I need advice on meds

To: 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!

> >

> >

> >

>

I'm protected by SpamBrave

http://www.spambrave.com/

[Guest guest]

Stacey,

Atypical antipsychotics and SSRIs have some opposite effects. Atypical

antipsychotics are serotonin antagonists while SSRIs as the name says

decrease the reuptake of serotonin, making it more likely that serotonin

will bind to receptors in the brain. So if SSRIs would really be making ht

eproblemw orse, then yes it would make sense that atypical antipsychotics

would be effective (not classic antypsychotics by the way, they just work on

dopamine)...at least, if the problem were with serotonin in the first place,

which cannot be proven yet. I mean, psychiatrists have no idea of the

biochemical makeup of an individual person's brain, so if you're prescribed

an SSRI it's not because your shrink *knows* that you have lowered serotonin

levels but because, judging from your symptoms, he thinks you might (or not

even that, he just diagnoses depression for example and knows that SSRIs

work for that)...it's really just a matter of experimentation.

It gets even more complicated when you realize that symptoms of different

disorders can be confused. For example, irritability is a possible sign of

depression in children (and probably people with developmental

disabilities), but if the irritable child is autistic, Risperdal (an

atypical antipsychotic) is approved by the FDA. IMO, it takes a really

skilled evaluation to distinguish one form of iritability form the other,

and I hav eyet to meet a shrink able to do this.

Astrid

astrid@...

http://www.astridvanwoerkom.com/

Re: I need advice on meds

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!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

I'm protected by SpamBrave

http://www.spambrave.com/

[Guest guest]

I think you have a point there. I haven't noticed any improvement with my daughter when I give her GABA; however, many neurotransmitters are found in the "gut brain," so I think it depends on the individual. I don't know if there is such thing as a gut brain barrier.http://www.autismhealthmanagement.com---

Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 11:25 PM

Sylvia,As far as I know, GABA doe snot cross the blood-brain barrier, so a GABA supplement will not work because the substance will not get to the brain. I don't remember whether there are drugs/supplements that will "convert" to GABA in the brain. Benzodiazepines increase GABA levels but they are very addictive when used long-term.Astridastrid@astridvanwoe rkom.comhttp://www.astridva nwoerkom. com/ Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 8:04 AMYes, we've tried diets and chelation. He's currently on GFCF whichhelps some with meltdowns and hurting himself, though. We've triedeverything.. ..spent 10's of thousands of dollars.He's almost 10, and at this point I'm trying to keep him

fromseriously hurting someone and hope to keep him out of aninstitution. So, if I have to medicate him to keep him at home andkeep my family safe, you bet I will. But I'm also doing it forhim. He used to be a happy boy, and he's lost that. I know he'llnever have a job, get married, drive a car, or do any of the otherthings 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 makesure 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 moreaggressive> > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally> punch> > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated duringthis> > 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 hada> > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment

for> Wednesday> > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciateany> > 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!> >> > > >>I'm protected by SpamBravehttp://www.spambrav e.com/

[Guest guest]

What is GABA? I have no clue!Thanks!Stacie BAurora ILSent via BlackBerry by AT&TDate: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 03:08:34 -0700 (PDT)To: <AutismBehaviorProblems >Subject: Re: I need advice on meds I think you have a point there. I haven't noticed any improvement with my daughter when I give her GABA; however, many neurotransmitters are found in the "gut brain," so I think it depends on the individual. I don't know if there is such thing as a gut brain barrier.http://www.autismhealthmanagement.com--- On Sun, 6/29/08, Astrid <astridastridvanwoerkom> wrote:From: Astrid <astridastridvanwoerkom>Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 11:25 PMSylvia,As far as I know, GABA doe snot cross the blood-brain barrier, so a GABA supplement will not work because the substance will not get to the brain. I don't remember whether there are drugs/supplements that will "convert" to GABA in the brain. Benzodiazepines increase GABA levels but they are very addictive when used long-term.Astridastrid@astridvanwoe rkom.comhttp://www.astridva nwoerkom. com/ Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 8:04 AMYes, we've tried diets and chelation. He's currently on GFCF whichhelps some with meltdowns and hurting himself, though. We've triedeverything.. ..spent 10's of thousands of dollars.He's almost 10, and at this point I'm trying to keep him fromseriously hurting someone and hope to keep him out of aninstitution. So, if I have to medicate him to keep him at home andkeep my family safe, you bet I will. But I'm also doing it forhim. He used to be a happy boy, and he's lost that. I know he'llnever have a job, get married, drive a car, or do any of the otherthings 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 makesure 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 moreaggressive> > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally> punch> > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated duringthis> > 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 hada> > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment for> Wednesday> > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciateany> > 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!> >> > > >>I'm protected by SpamBravehttp://www.spambrav e.com/

[Guest guest]

GABA--Gammaaminobuteric acid. I'm not sure how to spell it. It's an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It helps relieve anxiety. It may also help prevent seizures, so if your child has seizures, you will need to consult with your doctor.http://www.autismhealthmanagement.com---

Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 7:09 AM

What is GABA? I have no clue!Thanks!Stacie BAurora IL

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: sage sylvia <sylviasage2001@ yahoo.com>Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 03:08:34 -0700 (PDT)To: <AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com>Subject: Re: I need advice on meds

I think you have a point there. I haven't noticed any improvement with my daughter when I give her GABA; however, many neurotransmitters are found in the "gut brain," so I think it depends on the individual. I don't know if there is such thing as a gut brain barrier.http://www.autismhe althmanagement. comFrom: lalenox91 <lalenox91yahoo (DOT) com>Subject: Re: I need advice on medsTo: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 8:04 AMYes, we've tried diets and chelation. He's currently on GFCF whichhelps some with meltdowns and hurting himself, though. We've triedeverything.. ..spent 10's of thousands of dollars.He's almost 10, and at this point I'm trying to keep him

fromseriously hurting someone and hope to keep him out of aninstitution. So, if I have to medicate him to keep him at home andkeep my family safe, you bet I will. But I'm also doing it forhim. He used to be a happy boy, and he's lost that. I know he'llnever have a job, get married, drive a car, or do any of the otherthings 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 makesure 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 moreaggressive> > over the past year. He is pinching hard and will occasionally> punch> > or throw things. His OCD behaviors have also escalated duringthis> > 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 hada> > happy disposition. So, I've scheduled the appointment

for> Wednesday> > with the doctor to talk about our options. And I'd appreciateany> > 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!> >> > > >>I'm protected by SpamBravehttp://www.spambrav e.com/