Medication for symptoms of autism ?

[willowthecat]

I know this is a contraversial subject - also know there is no cure for autism but only that some symptoms can be alleviated - maybe? My DS (6) has a dx of autism but it seems to me that even by the standards of autism, he is hyperactive and obsessive compulsive. In fact, it's amazing he has the skills he has considering how little attention he pays . Most people who have worked with him comment that when focussed he can perform well but that sadly this focus is very rare. Has anyone tried any medication for hyperactivity and OCD ? Did it work (big question I know) and is it a short or long term solution ? Medication is a scary step obviously but if it was possible that a low dose would help, maybe we should try ? As you can tell, I am very unsure but tempted ... I know all mothers say this but he does have potential but it's not going anywhere due to lack of concentration.

Definitely would need to be one that can be stopped so yes to that. Concentration is like one of those old radios that give great reception intermittently but is meaningless crackle the rest of the time. There does not seem to be a pattern to when station tunes in.

I know Rispiridone is used in Autism. Not sure if it's right but I've heard that SSRI's (e.g. Prozac) can be used. DS is on a low dose of Rispiridone which is subtly, but not dramatically, helpful in reducing anxiety and obsessions

Do you know if it would be GP I should discuss this with or Paed who was involved at time of the diagnosis ?

The GP can't prescribe these drugs. My DS has Risperidone prescribed by the Community Paed.The GP supplies it on his instructions and only the Paed can change the dose.
If you talk to your GP he/she will arrange a referral to an appropriate specialist.
It works for my DS in reducing his aggression, but he still has quite a few OCD type behaviours and also vocal tics which the Risperidone seems to have little effect on.

My DD has used Prozac and it made a dramatic difference. She stayed on for around 2 years and I don't believe she would be so confident and happy if she hadn't been on it. Also she was on Ritallin as she was first diagnosed as ADD. This I found less effective.

Also I would like to say it shouldn't be controversial medication can be the difference between good mental health and complete breakdown.

I know about the controversial side...as the medication is a bit like speed. the way I understand it is speed speeds up one part of the brain which makes 'normal' (sorry couldnt think of a better word) people go funny....but in ASD/ADHD children one part of their brain is already sped up so the drug speeds up the other half making the brain work in sinc and calming them down...thats how it has been explained to me anyway

my sons on Methyphenidate Hydrochloride for his concentration etc. He has ASD and ADHD. I was dead against it at first but gave it a go, the school were also against it. A year on and have never looked back the results were amazing, he is now writing and his reading is amazing. I couldnt believe the difference, he is like a different child when on the medication, the same personality but calmer and more co-operative. Obviously every child is different, even the school who were against it really noticed an improvement. When we go out, we are all calmer as a family and it has taken a big strain away from my husband and as we were able to go on holiday abroad last year and our son was amazing. Its not a wonder drug but it takes the edge off the hyperactivity and helps them concentrate so our son is overall more happy

Many thanks for all the information. I do know that some drugs are stimulants (as hanaka says) , the theory being that they will stimulate the parts of the brain that should control hyperactivity whereas others are sedatives. Others again such as prozac are mood enhancers. Anyway my theoretical and practical knowledge is very limited and it seems experiences vary from child to child anyway. We have a routine appointment with the GP this month so I will ask if we can be referred to a Paed to at least discuss options. I have seen many references to Rispiridone Donkey - and DS certainly needs helps with compulsive behaviour. Does it take the edge off hyperactivity a little too ?

my sons methyphenidate Hydrochloride is a stimulant but he calms right down on it and is really managable outside the home when on it. His understanding, reasoning and concentration is massively improved. It is prescribed for ADHD by a doctor at the CAMHs Unit.

The only side effect we have found is that because it is a stimulant, his afternoon dose is lower than his morning dose as it was keeping him awake at night. He was awake but calm and not running up and down the hall way lol but by reducing the afternoon dose his sleeping went back to normal.

However he is so happy on it as he can concentrate on one toy and his mind is not going off onto something else. He is happier at school as well, because he goes to a mainstream school he can fit in better with the other children as he is calmer etc