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Original poster

Herbal meds etc for autism / anxiety / adhd

38 replies

Annaannaannab · 14/01/2025 08:41

My son is autistic , 19. Suffering with anger - he hates it but sometimes can’t control it . Not hurt anyone but can hurt himself ( not severely - bites himself , hits his head ) he’s like a bomb … I feel I’m tip towing around him . Getting worse as he gets older and I think anxiety isn’t helping - he’s always worrying . Worries about having a meltdown which leads to him trying to hold it in then flipping over something small that affects him then for days .

I don’t want to go down the medication route - going to doctors etc . I also think he shows lots of signs of ADHD .

Are there any - legal , obviously - herbal medications , supplements etc that might help him ?

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 14/01/2025 08:52

Why on earth would you not at least talk to your doctor?

Original poster
Annaannaannab · 14/01/2025 08:52

Annaannaannab · 14/01/2025 08:51

That’s the thing and I don’t want him labelled with mental health issues , I have a lot of experience in this area - i work in the area too and I have seen it .

Show quote history

We have tried cbt , not helped . I think the anxiety is the root of it too .

OP posts:
Original poster
Annaannaannab · 14/01/2025 08:51

TwoLeggedGrooveMachine · 14/01/2025 08:50

People suggesting the doctor are very naive. They will most likely do nothing. Or maybe refer for some CBT at best.

That’s the thing and I don’t want him labelled with mental health issues , I have a lot of experience in this area - i work in the area too and I have seen it .

OP posts:
AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/01/2025 08:51

Avoid herbal stuff altogether. Natural does not always mean safe.

What does your adult child want?. Does he need you to advocate for him as he is a vulnerable adult?. You both need professional outside support going forward.

Original poster
Annaannaannab · 14/01/2025 08:50

TwoLeggedGrooveMachine · 14/01/2025 08:49

My 17 year old daughter with ASD is similar. Tried CBD oil but it did nothing. GP won’t prescribe anything for her anxiety because she’s autistic. Now falling between children’s and adult services. We’ve paid for a therapist recommended by another SEN parent. It’s really helped but not a cheap option.

How did you find the therapist ?

im not keen on cbd - I know its not cannabis in the sense people think , but I don’t know enough about it .

OP posts:
TwoLeggedGrooveMachine · 14/01/2025 08:50

People suggesting the doctor are very naive. They will most likely do nothing. Or maybe refer for some CBT at best.

miffmufferedmoof · 14/01/2025 08:50

Obviously hard to be 100% sure, but I feel that omega 3 supplements (fish oil) have really helped my autistic DS with mood. People often recommend magnesium too. Not really any downside to trying these except cost

Original poster
Annaannaannab · 14/01/2025 08:49

ViolinsPlayGentlyOn · 14/01/2025 08:47

I don’t want to go down the medication route - going to doctors etc . I also think he shows lots of signs of ADHD .

What does your adult son want?

If he’s not capable of making that decision, you are being negligent in not at least talking to the doctor about his symptoms.

He doesn’t want anyone to know , he’s embarrassed . I don’t think he has the capacity to make well informed medical decisions . Eg - a friend told him energy drinks are good for adhd ( he isn’t diagnosed ) so he wants to do that which obviously isn’t something I think he should do .

OP posts:
TwoLeggedGrooveMachine · 14/01/2025 08:49

My 17 year old daughter with ASD is similar. Tried CBD oil but it did nothing. GP won’t prescribe anything for her anxiety because she’s autistic. Now falling between children’s and adult services. We’ve paid for a therapist recommended by another SEN parent. It’s really helped but not a cheap option.

MummytoE · 14/01/2025 08:48

Make a doctor's appointment and get your son the help he needs. Good luck x

ViolinsPlayGentlyOn · 14/01/2025 08:47

I don’t want to go down the medication route - going to doctors etc . I also think he shows lots of signs of ADHD .

What does your adult son want?

If he’s not capable of making that decision, you are being negligent in not at least talking to the doctor about his symptoms.

Fetburzswefg · 14/01/2025 08:45

No. Herbs which have a measurable impact on health and behaviour are called medicine. Anything else is snake oil.

Your son should be supported with therapy, medication, occupational therapy etc. Stop looking magic beans on the internet and encourage him to see a doctor.

Lostmum1906 · 14/01/2025 08:44

I suggest you look into sulforaphane, broccoli sprout extract

CBD too