Medicating Children - ADD, ADHD, Autism Disorders

[bleedingheart]

My son was diagnosed with Asperger's about two years ago and one of the first things a therapist stated was that in some cases medication may help alleviate some issues that these kids face.
For the longest time I was always hesitant to consider medicating my child and in fact we did try it once at the very beginning but the medication that was recommended, Ritalin, only made him more angry and hostile.

I felt that I could handle the depression, anxiety and the moody behavior that my child exhibited. I rationalized that, who isn't moody, depressed or anxious??? I was also affected by the peer pressure around me, the parents who say things like ..."some people just want to dope their kids"...and I knew that wasn't me, I love my little boy...I wasn't trying to do dope him.

BUT...the severe anxiety of his disorder, the fear of any new situation and the depression and his remarks about hurting himself and wishing he were dead were wearing me out. No matter what I said it did not alleviate how his mind was working....so last month I took my son to see a psychiatrist and he was prescribed a medication.

One month later, there are dramatic differences. He is smiling more, he is laughing and his fear and anxiety have diminished enough so that outings to the museum or to new places are no longer so upsetting.

He is even trying to engage other children in conversation and talking about how he feels...for what seems the first time in a very long long time.

He is even willing to work with the therapists and this will if anything push his progress futher along.

I know that his mind is wired differently than others, and I know that no medication or therapy will fix everything, but we can help him cope with the world and learn to enjoy it.

So for those parents who have children on medication, I understand your plight and to those individuals who are not familiar with these situations please reserve your judgement until you know more about each situation.

[mzteris]

1. one size does not fit all

I understand your reluctance to not medicate and I applaud your efforts to help your child without it rather than going for the quick easy fix. BUT sometimes medication IS necessary, and I wholly support you in your decision to do what you think is right for YOUR child and circumstances.

Are you in/on any support groups? Sometimes it really helps to talk to other parents who've BTDT and get encouragement, suggestions, feedback, and sometimes just a safe place to VENT!

[Tab]

2. I know that many conditions are "over-diagnosed"...

but that doesn't mean there aren't real candidates out there.

A close friend of mine has a child with real ADHD. It takes him half an hour to put on his shoes - he's just a classic case. Medication works wonders for him.

My take on it is (and I don't speak for DU, because we don't give medical advice, but personally...) do what you need to do to make sure the diagnosis is correct. But if it is, don't be afraid of the medication - it can make a world of difference.

That said, some of the time that parents are complaining, they're looking for an easy out - not to say that it applies to you - but if they are, they probably welcome the diagnosis and won't seek a second opinion if they have any questions (which they wouldn't if they wanted the diagnosis to begin with).

I know that was circuitious, but... (sigh)

Anyway, glad to hear it's helping your child.

[mzmolly]

3. I am so happy that you and your family have found relief.

I wanted to suggest a book or two as well in case your not familiar?

"Worried No More - Help and Hope for Anxious Children ~ Aureen Pinto Wagner. She has written a childrens companion book called: Up and Down Worry Hill.

I have not read either YET, but I've heard from other parents they have been very helpful. I ordered the books and they look very good. I've heard that cognitive behavior therapy can actually change brain chemistry also.

Best wishes and thanks for sharing your story.

[bleedingheart]

4. each child is different and each therapeutic plan must be

tailored to fit the child and I posted about my experience because I see so many parents who will not get help for their kids for many reasons ...and it pains me.

[Ilsa]

5. Medications works wonders for the real thing. I couldn't live with

my autistic son if he were off his meds. I had to dramatically decrease his risperday this summer because of TD symptoms. I tried eliminating it completely, but I could handle him without him being on at least a low dose.

My son Strattera kept me from going bonkers as he was finally able to manage toileting.