AIBU to ask about medication for autistic child's violent meltdowns

MomentsBeforeChaos · 2026-08-04T18:34:40+00:00

Has anyone with a child with autism ever medicated them to help with violent meltdowns? Did it help?

Davros · 04/08/2026 19:38

Risperidone worked for DS. He was unable to access even the things he liked because even the slightest thing became a challenge. This was many years ago now. No regrets. There are probably newer options/ideas now. I’ve seen so many parents refuse to medicate their child and but it is often in the child’s best interests. So many end up doing it anyway. You need a good paediatrician with good communication

Redcliffe1 · 04/08/2026 19:39

I have been wondering the same thing but my son refuses to talk to a doctor. Good luck

CariadDarling · 04/08/2026 19:58

An olanzapine velotab taken when needed works for my son. In fact he started on medication when he was 17 for other things but we noticed his meltdowns reduced and as his general condition deteriorated due to other mental health issues such as bipolar disorder becoming apparent on top of his severe autism, we took the decision to use his olanzapine in velotab form as a prn when needed.

we have absolutely no regrets and no one would ever persuade me that someone with a diagnosis of classic Kenner’s autism, bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, and a form of epilepsy that causes aggression could go through life without medication to help them. My boy is 35 now and at home with me and a 2-1 round the clock team of carers that we fund ourselves.

user1471497170 · 04/08/2026 20:04

Sertraline significantly reduced my daughters meltdowns at 15 and family ife was much better for us all. I had to push to get camhs tp agree as they are reluctant to medicate under 16s. However you need to weigh up the pros and cons. Also she was desperate to feel less anxious and wanted medication.

Fluffanddust · 04/08/2026 20:08

Another vote for sertraline here. Do you have any support from any professionals OP?

EilonwyWithRedGoldHair · 04/08/2026 20:09

Nobody would even consider it for DS, even with me covered in bruises. DH & I were willing to try it. There was a definite reluctance to prescribe anything or to refer to anyone who could.

Original poster

MomentsBeforeChaos · 04/08/2026 20:24

Thanks everyone. I didn’t realise he would have to speak to the doctor and he’s preteen so I might not have much luck. I’ll call my gp tomorrow and see what they say. There’s no one helping us right now so no clue where to even start

OP posts:

IlikethoseBalenciagas · 04/08/2026 20:40

How old?
Are they in school / college?

My child massively calmed down when she stopped going to school for just over a year. I was very reluctant to let her have medication when it would only be a sticking plaster. A long break from school and time seemed to help. It's a nightmare thing to go through, sorry you are in the thick of it.

Original poster

MomentsBeforeChaos · 04/08/2026 20:45

IlikethoseBalenciagas · 04/08/2026 20:40

How old?
Are they in school / college?

My child massively calmed down when she stopped going to school for just over a year. I was very reluctant to let her have medication when it would only be a sticking plaster. A long break from school and time seemed to help. It's a nightmare thing to go through, sorry you are in the thick of it.

He’s preteen and in school. It’s a really good school and he masks well there so it’s actually really useful for me to have him somewhere safe where he’s comfortable. He has learning difficulties and a developmental delay and I’m a single working parent so home schooling is definitely not an option for us ❤️

OP posts:

QuaintBeaker · 04/08/2026 20:49

My son was prescribed risperidone but we didn't use it for very long because it made him a bit out of it.

Davros · 04/08/2026 22:42

MomentsBeforeChaos · 04/08/2026 20:24

Thanks everyone. I didn’t realise he would have to speak to the doctor and he’s preteen so I might not have much luck. I’ll call my gp tomorrow and see what they say. There’s no one helping us right now so no clue where to even start

At that age don’t you make these decisions on his behalf?

Wajeehakamran · 06/08/2026 11:59

I know medication can help some children, but it really depends on what's driving the meltdowns, so it's worth discussing it with your child's specialist.

drspouse · 06/08/2026 12:05

I have also heard of Risperidone being used. Does he have a diagnosis of ADHD or is there a possibility if he's impulsive as well?
Stimulant plus non stimulant (and some adjustments to parenting) have eliminated meltdowns in our DS.
If he's young and has developmental delay I don't think any doctor would require your DS to speak.

Davros · 06/08/2026 17:52

Wajeehakamran · 06/08/2026 11:59

I know medication can help some children, but it really depends on what's driving the meltdowns, so it's worth discussing it with your child's specialist.

In my opinion, medication can give you an opportunity to address underlying factors. Challenging behaviour is very, very often linked to communication. Back in my time, I went on many workshops, training courses, talks etc on Challenging Behaviour and had many books on the subject