Re: I really need advice and suggestions

[Guest guest]

I agree with you e. Meds were the worst things that ever happened to Karac. Pat K

Good morning to all!!! ...I agree-- I know I have a young one, but yesterday when was in the neurologists office having his meltdown, the Dr. asked me if I wanted to medicate him. I too want to see how does with all his therapy. I don't want to start this young with medication. He is too perfect I explained to her that NO I did not want to, but that if in the future my husband and I think it will benefit him, we won't hesitate. Some kids respond beautifully to meds...I know this from being on-line and also from watching my close relative who teaches special Ed. mostly teaching children with Autism, reading, my mentor who has a 17 year old thriving autistic son, etc. Autism is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL.

I want to see thrive without meds first...but I also realize it greatly benefits some children. As a mom, If and when I've done every thing I know to do...if I have exhausted all avenues....I will help my child with meds. I do not think meds are a death sentence. They can help these kiddos greatly if truly needed. Some of these children are tortured souls...why would anyone refuse meds if they can benefit the child and make him/her more comfortable...Not me for sure...Some say meds are just for the parents, as sort of "opium for the masses" -- Not true...many parents are afraid, and yet make the decision for meds because it is what is right for their child and their family...I, as well as I know you and others as well, Applaud them for helping their child....

looking forward,

e

I really need advice and suggestions> > > To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> > > Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:17 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My son Emmett will be five in November mild to moderate autism, I > also> > > have two other children that are 10 and 2 and a half both NT. My > son> > > got his diagnosis at about three and a half. He is currently > taking> > > trazadone for sleep and a small dose of zoloft that we are trying > out> > > for aggression it has been 2 months of the zoloft and no change at> > > all. He is a very "active child" god bless him but sometimes I > feel> > > like I am going nutso. He has recently been getting into my makeup> > > and smashing it and breaking it and also into my nail polish and> > > "painting" his toe nails. I was wondering if this is a normal> > > activity or if he is damaging my property on purpose? He gets > into my> > > old sons things all the time and ruins them constantly. I feel bad> > > for my older son and try to explain to him autism and he just says> > > that he wishes that he had a normal brother. Yesterday my son got> > > upset while playing with my older sons friends who he thinks are > his> > > and he booked it down the street almost to a main intersection. > He is> > > a very fast runner. If you chase him he just runs faster if you > call> > > him back he does not listen. Finally my older son tackled him > down in> > > a neighbors front yard and held Emmett there until I could catch > up. > > > I picked him up to carry him hope and he hit me scratched me and> > > pulled my hair while screaming that he just wanted to run and to > let> > > him go. My neighbors probably think that I am nuts but who cares! > > > When we finally got him home we locked the doors and he was > screaming> > > over and over again that he hated me and wanted me to leave his > house.> > > This was so hard to deal with there was no calming him down. He is> > > violent with his brother and sister and hurts them bites them. I > just> > > have no idea how to control this. Sometimes he can be a sweet > angel> > > then he can just go off. Like tonite we had burgers and i cut his > in> > > half and he freaked would not eat it i offered him another whole > one> > > and he refused. I was wondering if I should move to risperdal to > help> > > with these meltdowns or is there something else i can do. We just> > > recently started seeing a behavior therapist like 2 weeks ago so > that> > > is still fairly new. I feel crazy because he acts pretty good at> > > school some meltdown but nothing like home! Any suggetsion?> > >> >>

New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News more. Try it out!

[Guest guest]

Good morning to all!!! ...I agree-- I know I have a young one, but yesterday when was in the neurologists office having his meltdown, the Dr. asked me if I wanted to medicate him. I too want to see how does with all his therapy. I don't want to start this young with medication. He is too perfect I explained to her that NO I did not want to, but that if in the future my husband and I think it will benefit him, we won't hesitate. Some kids respond beautifully to meds...I know this from being on-line and also from watching my close relative who teaches special Ed. mostly teaching children with Autism, reading, my mentor who has a 17 year old thriving autistic son, etc. Autism is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL.

I want to see thrive without meds first...but I also realize it greatly benefits some children. As a mom, If and when I've done every thing I know to do...if I have exhausted all avenues....I will help my child with meds. I do not think meds are a death sentence. They can help these kiddos greatly if truly needed. Some of these children are tortured souls...why would anyone refuse meds if they can benefit the child and make him/her more comfortable...Not me for sure...Some say meds are just for the parents, as sort of "opium for the masses" -- Not true...many parents are afraid, and yet make the decision for meds because it is what is right for their child and their family...I, as well as I know you and others as well, Applaud them for helping their child....

looking forward,

e

I really need advice and suggestions> > > To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> > > Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:17 AM> > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My son Emmett will be five in November mild to moderate autism, I > also> > > have two other children that are 10 and 2 and a half both NT. My > son> > > got his diagnosis at about three and a half. He is currently > taking> > > trazadone for sleep and a small dose of zoloft that we are trying > out> > > for aggression it has been 2 months of the zoloft and no change at> > > all. He is a very "active child" god bless him but sometimes I > feel> > > like I am going nutso. He has recently been getting into my makeup> > > and smashing it and breaking it and also into my nail polish and> > > "painting" his toe nails. I was wondering if this is a normal> > > activity or if he is damaging my property on purpose? He

gets > into my> > > old sons things all the time and ruins them constantly. I feel bad> > > for my older son and try to explain to him autism and he just says> > > that he wishes that he had a normal brother. Yesterday my son got> > > upset while playing with my older sons friends who he thinks are > his> > > and he booked it down the street almost to a main intersection. > He is> > > a very fast runner. If you chase him he just runs faster if you > call> > > him back he does not listen. Finally my older son tackled him > down in> > > a neighbors front yard and held Emmett there until I could catch > up. > > > I picked him up to carry him hope and he hit me scratched me and> > > pulled my hair while screaming that he just wanted to run and to > let> > > him go. My

neighbors probably think that I am nuts but who cares! > > > When we finally got him home we locked the doors and he was > screaming> > > over and over again that he hated me and wanted me to leave his > house.> > > This was so hard to deal with there was no calming him down. He is> > > violent with his brother and sister and hurts them bites them. I > just> > > have no idea how to control this. Sometimes he can be a sweet > angel> > > then he can just go off. Like tonite we had burgers and i cut his > in> > > half and he freaked would not eat it i offered him another whole > one> > > and he refused. I was wondering if I should move to risperdal to > help> > > with these meltdowns or is there something else i can do. We just> > > recently started seeing a behavior therapist

like 2 weeks ago so > that> > > is still fairly new. I feel crazy because he acts pretty good at> > > school some meltdown but nothing like home! Any suggetsion?> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

There is a lot of ignorance about medication and dosages. I don't know any

child on

Risperdal who is a " zombie " but if he is, then the dosage is totally incorrect.

As with any

meds the person prescribing them has to be conservative and knowledgeable.

There are

some people who will prescribe high dosages for children but a responsible

behaviorist or

psychiatrist will start low (.25mg) and go from there. My six year old started

on .25,

moving up to a regular dosage of .5mg, when he was 5.5 years old. It worked

very well.

We did adjust to .75 shortly before his sixth birthday. Risperdal should not

make your

child a zombie, it should simply take the edge off of the reactivity and give

your child

some extra time to process before reacting--just lowering the activation level.

It has

enabled my child to absorb and learn a lot more in terms of self regulation,

which will

hopefully keep him off medication in the FUTURE. I think many people have an

opinion

that meds in children is the worst thing in the world. Quite frankly I used to

think that

too, however, if your child has a lot of sensory issues and is prone to

responding with

aggression, helping your child prevent this pattern by medicating at low dosages

at a

YOUNG age enabling them to absorb and learn skills NOW rather than trying to

teach later

can help prevent med usage at a later date. It has not changed my son's

personality in

any way other than he's more rational and a lot happier as are we as a family.

Medication

should not be used in place of therapy, but hand in hand they can work well. My

son is

learning MORE through therapy than he would be without the Risperdal because

he's able

to absorb and learn more than he did without it. Prior to the meds we'd done OT

for years

(which helped but not enough), therapeutic riding, listening therapy, etc.

Since the

Risperdal in addition to the therapy he has made AMAZING strides. He's improved

more in

the last year with the meds than the previous three years combined.

It's a knee jerk reaction to assume meds are bad but again, with a proper

person

prescribing them and a low dose it can work wonders.

I also have to say that Risperdal makes your child tired, so by giving it at

night you could

get rid of the two meds your child currently takes and just be on one.

> > >

> > > From: rachel mccashland <racmac0204@>

> > > Subject: I really need advice and suggestions

> > > To: AutismBehaviorProblems

> > > Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:17 AM

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > My son Emmett will be five in November mild to moderate autism, I

> also

> > > have two other children that are 10 and 2 and a half both NT. My

> son

> > > got his diagnosis at about three and a half. He is currently

> taking

> > > trazadone for sleep and a small dose of zoloft that we are trying

> out

> > > for aggression it has been 2 months of the zoloft and no change at

> > > all. He is a very " active child " god bless him but sometimes I

> feel

> > > like I am going nutso. He has recently been getting into my makeup

> > > and smashing it and breaking it and also into my nail polish and

> > > " painting " his toe nails. I was wondering if this is a normal

> > > activity or if he is damaging my property on purpose? He gets

> into my

> > > old sons things all the time and ruins them constantly. I feel bad

> > > for my older son and try to explain to him autism and he just says

> > > that he wishes that he had a normal brother. Yesterday my son got

> > > upset while playing with my older sons friends who he thinks are

> his

> > > and he booked it down the street almost to a main intersection.

> He is

> > > a very fast runner. If you chase him he just runs faster if you

> call

> > > him back he does not listen. Finally my older son tackled him

> down in

> > > a neighbors front yard and held Emmett there until I could catch

> up.

> > > I picked him up to carry him hope and he hit me scratched me and

> > > pulled my hair while screaming that he just wanted to run and to

> let

> > > him go. My neighbors probably think that I am nuts but who cares!

> > > When we finally got him home we locked the doors and he was

> screaming

> > > over and over again that he hated me and wanted me to leave his

> house.

> > > This was so hard to deal with there was no calming him down. He is

> > > violent with his brother and sister and hurts them bites them. I

> just

> > > have no idea how to control this. Sometimes he can be a sweet

> angel

> > > then he can just go off. Like tonite we had burgers and i cut his

> in

> > > half and he freaked would not eat it i offered him another whole

> one

> > > and he refused. I was wondering if I should move to risperdal to

> help

> > > with these meltdowns or is there something else i can do. We just

> > > recently started seeing a behavior therapist like 2 weeks ago so

> that

> > > is still fairly new. I feel crazy because he acts pretty good at

> > > school some meltdown but nothing like home! Any suggetsion?

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I also have to say in response to " what do meds do to a child's mind " ....what

does cortisol

and constantly being a state of fight or flight do the brain AND the body? I

think people

don't always realize what the stress of autism does to a young child's body.

If you've ever

taken an anatomy and physiology course you'll learn that stress can be a lot

more harmful

then medication.

> > >

> > > From: rachel mccashland <racmac0204@>

> > > Subject: I really need advice and suggestions

> > > To: AutismBehaviorProblems

> > > Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:17 AM

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > My son Emmett will be five in November mild to moderate autism, I

> also

> > > have two other children that are 10 and 2 and a half both NT. My

> son

> > > got his diagnosis at about three and a half. He is currently

> taking

> > > trazadone for sleep and a small dose of zoloft that we are trying

> out

> > > for aggression it has been 2 months of the zoloft and no change at

> > > all. He is a very " active child " god bless him but sometimes I

> feel

> > > like I am going nutso. He has recently been getting into my makeup

> > > and smashing it and breaking it and also into my nail polish and

> > > " painting " his toe nails. I was wondering if this is a normal

> > > activity or if he is damaging my property on purpose? He gets

> into my

> > > old sons things all the time and ruins them constantly. I feel bad

> > > for my older son and try to explain to him autism and he just says

> > > that he wishes that he had a normal brother. Yesterday my son got

> > > upset while playing with my older sons friends who he thinks are

> his

> > > and he booked it down the street almost to a main intersection.

> He is

> > > a very fast runner. If you chase him he just runs faster if you

> call

> > > him back he does not listen. Finally my older son tackled him

> down in

> > > a neighbors front yard and held Emmett there until I could catch

> up.

> > > I picked him up to carry him hope and he hit me scratched me and

> > > pulled my hair while screaming that he just wanted to run and to

> let

> > > him go. My neighbors probably think that I am nuts but who cares!

> > > When we finally got him home we locked the doors and he was

> screaming

> > > over and over again that he hated me and wanted me to leave his

> house.

> > > This was so hard to deal with there was no calming him down. He is

> > > violent with his brother and sister and hurts them bites them. I

> just

> > > have no idea how to control this. Sometimes he can be a sweet

> angel

> > > then he can just go off. Like tonite we had burgers and i cut his

> in

> > > half and he freaked would not eat it i offered him another whole

> one

> > > and he refused. I was wondering if I should move to risperdal to

> help

> > > with these meltdowns or is there something else i can do. We just

> > > recently started seeing a behavior therapist like 2 weeks ago so

> that

> > > is still fairly new. I feel crazy because he acts pretty good at

> > > school some meltdown but nothing like home! Any suggetsion?

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I fully understand. What makes me so sad is what the meds did to Karac, and I had no control over itl Karac had to be hospitalized because of Abilify; He got Tardis Dyskenisia from Risperdal and Geodon. It has just been so tragic. Karac was high functioning before all the meds. It breaks my heart. All the meds seemed to do good for awhile, but then they stopped working and the damage was done. Maybe if he had been given lower dosages it wouldn't have be so devastating. I was opposed to them from the beginning. Those are antipsychotic drugs and Karac wasn't psychotic. The only drug that didn't do any damage was a low dose of Clonidine.

I truly understand that some kids have to have drugs, and I don't judge anyone's decisions. I know all the precious mothers do the best they can and some of the drugs work well for their children. I know the kids are different, and thankfully no one has had the misfortune with drugs that poor Karac has had.

I am thankful that Karac overcame the Tardis Dyskenisia, but it took a year and a lot of prayer. Karac hasn't been on any meds for over two years, but that doesn't mean he may never have to be on any.

If I come across abrasive or judgmental, I apologize. My husband says, "Pat you can hurt more people accidentally than other people can on purpose." smile Love and blessings, Pat K

Hi, Sweet Pat K! I know that you've said meds were the worst thing, and I'm sorry they did not work for him...I do think they help some kids though. I try to pay attention to the fact that Autism is a spectrum disorder...each of our kiddos are affected differently, as well as respond differently to different kinds of therapies etc; I also know that most if not ALL mommies use meds as a last resort-- ultimately it is between you and your family and your doctor...it's so important NOT to judge, and I know you don't...I don't want to medicate , nor do I think he needs to be at present, but I will if needed...like I said to , I will in a heart beat...Autism is not a one size fits all...that's what I know today!Blessings to you...e> etc. Autism is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL. > I want to see thrive without meds first...but I also realize it > greatly benefits some children. As a mom, If and when I've done every thing I know > to do...if I have exhausted all avenues....I will help my child with meds. > I do not think meds are a death sentence. They can help these kiddos greatly > if truly needed. Some of these children are tortured souls...why would > anyone refuse meds if they can benefit the child and make him/her more > comfortable. Some of these children are tortured souls...why would anyone refuse meds > if they can benefit the child and make him/her more comfortable.<WBR>..Not me > for sure...Some say meds are just for the parents, as sort of "opium for the > masses" -- Not true...many parents are afraid, and yet make the decision for > meds becau > looking forward, > e > > > > Re: I really need advice and suggestions> > > New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News more. Try it out!

[Guest guest]

...I agree. Meds can help these kiddos absorb more from their therapies. That's why it's so important to NOT generalize. I hope I won't have to use them with , and like you I dont' want too, but I will in a heartbeat if I deem it necessary...in a heart beat.

Thank you so much for this.

e

I really need advice and suggestions> > > To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> > > Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:17 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > My son Emmett will be five in November mild to moderate autism, I > also> > > have two other children that are 10 and 2 and a half both NT. My > son> > > got his diagnosis at about three and a half. He is currently > taking> > > trazadone for sleep and a small dose of zoloft that we are trying > out> > > for aggression it has been 2 months of the zoloft and no change at> > > all. He is a very "active child" god bless him but sometimes I > feel> > > like I am going nutso. He has recently been getting into my makeup> > > and smashing it and breaking it and also into my nail polish and> > > "painting" his toe nails. I was wondering if this is a normal> > > activity or if he is damaging my property on purpose? He gets > into my> > > old sons things

all the time and ruins them constantly. I feel bad> > > for my older son and try to explain to him autism and he just says> > > that he wishes that he had a normal brother. Yesterday my son got> > > upset while playing with my older sons friends who he thinks are > his> > > and he booked it down the street almost to a main intersection. > He is> > > a very fast runner. If you chase him he just runs faster if you > call> > > him back he does not listen. Finally my older son tackled him > down in> > > a neighbors front yard and held Emmett there until I could catch > up. > > > I picked him up to carry him hope and he hit me scratched me and> > > pulled my hair while screaming that he just wanted to run and to > let> > > him go. My neighbors probably think that I am nuts but who cares!

> > > When we finally got him home we locked the doors and he was > screaming> > > over and over again that he hated me and wanted me to leave his > house.> > > This was so hard to deal with there was no calming him down. He is> > > violent with his brother and sister and hurts them bites them. I > just> > > have no idea how to control this. Sometimes he can be a sweet > angel> > > then he can just go off. Like tonite we had burgers and i cut his > in> > > half and he freaked would not eat it i offered him another whole > one> > > and he refused. I was wondering if I should move to risperdal to > help> > > with these meltdowns or is there something else i can do. We just> > > recently started seeing a behavior therapist like 2 weeks ago so > that> > > is

still fairly new. I feel crazy because he acts pretty good at> > > school some meltdown but nothing like home! Any suggetsion?> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

J takes a small does of zpraxa and it helps with agressivn. Lois

I really need advice and suggestions

[Guest guest]

Hi, Sweet Pat K! I know that you've said meds were the worst thing,

and I'm sorry they did not work for him...

I do think they help some kids though. I try to pay attention to the

fact that Autism is a spectrum disorder...each of our kiddos are

affected differently, as well as respond differently to different

kinds of therapies etc; I also know that most if not ALL mommies use

meds as a last resort-- ultimately it is between you and your family

and your doctor...it's so important NOT to judge, and I know you

don't...I don't want to medicate , nor do I think he needs to be

at present, but I will if needed...like I said to , I will in

a heart beat...Autism is not a one size fits all...that's what I know

today!

Blessings to you...

e

> etc. Autism is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL.

> I want to see thrive without meds first...but I also realize

it

> greatly benefits some children. As a mom, If and when I've done

every thing I know

> to do...if I have exhausted all avenues....I will help my child

with meds.

> I do not think meds are a death sentence. They can help these

kiddos greatly

> if truly needed. Some of these children are tortured souls...why

would

> anyone refuse meds if they can benefit the child and make him/her

more

> comfortable. Some of these children are tortured souls...why would

anyone refuse meds

> if they can benefit the child and make him/her more

comfortable.<WBR>..Not me

> for sure...Some say meds are just for the parents, as sort

of " opium for the

> masses " -- Not true...many parents are afraid, and yet make the

decision for

> meds becau

> looking forward,

> e

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message ----

> From: rachel mccashland <racmac0204@sbcglobaracma>

> To: AutismBehaviorProblTo: AutismBeTo:

> Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:02:51 AM

> Subject: Re: I really need advice and suggestions

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Have you looked into Biomedical? My son started biomed with Pfeiffer

treatment centers and his progress has been amazing!

I would get some books out from the library and do some research to

see if that might work for you. I say YOU, because it is a lot of

work but well worth it in the end IMHO.

My son is only on one medication and that is LDN for his immune

system. Everything else is diet and suppliments.

He is in mainstream Kindergarten this year!

You can feel free to email me off list if you have any questions.

> > > >

> > > > From: rachel mccashland <racmac0204@ >

> > > > Subject: I really need advice and suggestions

> > > > To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com

> > > > Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12:17 AM

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > My son Emmett will be five in November mild to moderate

autism, I

> > also

> > > > have two other children that are 10 and 2 and a half both NT.

My

> > son

> > > > got his diagnosis at about three and a half. He is currently

> > taking

> > > > trazadone for sleep and a small dose of zoloft that we are

trying

> > out

> > > > for aggression it has been 2 months of the zoloft and no

change at

> > > > all. He is a very " active child " god bless him but sometimes

I

> > feel

> > > > like I am going nutso. He has recently been getting into my

makeup

> > > > and smashing it and breaking it and also into my nail polish

and

> > > > " painting " his toe nails. I was wondering if this is a normal

> > > > activity or if he is damaging my property on purpose? He gets

> > into my

> > > > old sons things all the time and ruins them constantly. I

feel bad

> > > > for my older son and try to explain to him autism and he just

says

> > > > that he wishes that he had a normal brother. Yesterday my son

got

> > > > upset while playing with my older sons friends who he thinks

are

> > his

> > > > and he booked it down the street almost to a main

intersection.

> > He is

> > > > a very fast runner. If you chase him he just runs faster if

you

> > call

> > > > him back he does not listen. Finally my older son tackled him

> > down in

> > > > a neighbors front yard and held Emmett there until I could

catch

> > up.

> > > > I picked him up to carry him hope and he hit me scratched me

and

> > > > pulled my hair while screaming that he just wanted to run and

to

> > let

> > > > him go. My neighbors probably think that I am nuts but who

cares!

> > > > When we finally got him home we locked the doors and he was

> > screaming

> > > > over and over again that he hated me and wanted me to leave

his

> > house.

> > > > This was so hard to deal with there was no calming him down.

He is

> > > > violent with his brother and sister and hurts them bites

them. I

> > just

> > > > have no idea how to control this. Sometimes he can be a sweet

> > angel

> > > > then he can just go off. Like tonite we had burgers and i cut

his

> > in

> > > > half and he freaked would not eat it i offered him another

whole

> > one

> > > > and he refused. I was wondering if I should move to risperdal

to

> > help

> > > > with these meltdowns or is there something else i can do. We

just

> > > > recently started seeing a behavior therapist like 2 weeks ago

so

> > that

> > > > is still fairly new. I feel crazy because he acts pretty good

at

> > > > school some meltdown but nothing like home! Any suggetsion?

> > > >

> > >

> >

>