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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

aspergers and medication...advice??

13 replies

midgeymoo · 14/02/2006 12:12

My ds (5) (AS) has really deteriorated lately in his 'unhappiness and anxiety' He is crying many many times each day and generally regressing in his ability to deal with playing games, going out, make decisions etc. I have today asked gp to refer him back to local hosp as I can't bear this unhappiness, he seems so tormented and sad. But maybe its just inevitable as he gets older, I don't know. Really worried, upset, guilty... Help.

OP posts:

ntt · 14/02/2006 12:58

bump

Blandmum · 14/02/2006 12:59

Don't know what to say to help but just want to send lots of hugs

Original poster

midgeymoo · 14/02/2006 14:44

Anti anxiety medication is being discussed but not sure what this would be for a 5 year old. Tried gf diet but his dad, who he sees every other weekend, is very anti and refuses to accept the diagnosis so doesn't stick to diet so I have no idea if this has been of any use. Found lunch box ideas so tricky too....
Feel low, I just want him to be happy but he's just a ball of anxiety..

OP posts:

Davros · 14/02/2006 16:35

They may be looking at Risperidone which seems to have become the new "wonder drug" for people with ASD, especially to deal with anxiety. There has been some research (New ENgland Journal of Medicine) showing very good results. My DS has been on it for about 2 years and it has been a life saver.

Original poster

midgeymoo · 14/02/2006 17:36

Thank you. Would it be suitable for a 5 yr old? Are there, as there always are, any scare stories? When he was a baby he had terrible gastric reflux and was placed on a med then which ended up being banned so slightly wary but great to hear you've had good results

OP posts:

Davros · 14/02/2006 17:43

I haven't heard any scare stories myself. As with all meds, there are side effects (no free lunch!). Weight gain is the most noticeable, DS also has nose bleeds sometimes and it makes them sleepy (wahey!). The other thing that I hate is that DS has to have a blood test every 3-4 months or so and its a nightmare! But I'm pleased he does have it. I don't know what happens in the long term, prob another med will come along. I expect its OK for 5 year olds but I really don't know. DS was 8 when he went on it and I've heard of a number of other kids around that age, but maybe that's because the problems get to an intolerable level and all else has been tried. I do know a very hf/AS child who is on it for anxiety and it has worked well for him. I've never found that DS is "veggie-like" iyswim, he is still the same personality.

mixedemotions123 · 14/02/2006 17:47

Just wanted to agree with Davros. My 6 year old ds has been taking Risperidone (0.5ml) for the last 3 weeks, to try to ease some of his anxiety, and aggression. He seems to be a lot calmer and more able to cope with some of the things that he previously couldn't have done without getting screwed up.

mixedemotions123 · 14/02/2006 17:54

Nobody has mentioned him having to have blood tests though

Loobie · 14/02/2006 19:07

Ds1 who has severe sutism went through just what you are describing about 10mths to a year ago,rispiredone was mentioned then for him ,but he was referred for play therapy first and this seems to have helped him ride over the worst of it all.
Rispiredone is an anti-physcotic drug used to treat scizophrenics,so quite a heavy drug to use for children,glad ds1 got through without it to be honest

Davros · 14/02/2006 19:38

Agree Loobie, if it can be avoided then so much the better. We had managed and tolerated DS's anxiety and challenging behaviour for some years and it got to a point where we just couldn't any more and he was so unhappy. If there is something else that could prevent or delay medicating then its definitely worth trying. But sometimes medicating works so well and is best for everyone..... its so hard to know. Once you do it, of course, you have endless doubts and we have tried several times to reduce the dose with bad results. But I feel we should do that from time-to-time rather than be complacent, it is a bit of a rollercoaster though but we are more "at terms" with it iyswim.

Original poster

midgeymoo · 14/02/2006 21:31

I think its that point you make davros, that its about his unhappiness. It is so hard as a parent to see a child so twisted and tortured by anxiety that every situation is one which will end in meltdown, and not be able to help in any way. I am definitely open to suggestions re meds or diet or therapy.

OP posts:

Original poster

midgeymoo · 15/02/2006 09:38

bump

OP posts:

lars · 15/02/2006 12:57

My ds has concerta as can be hyper active this has helped and there is a difference at school if he doesn't have it. But I do know this drug cannot be used at 5yrs.
larsxx

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