Autism Meds

Since summer began we've had no school, a new schedule in place and life has been well... interesting. Not in a good or bad way just plain interesting. We waited as long as possible before considering medications for our boys "issues". After realizing the negative impact their conditions placed on learning, in school and ABA, we came to the conclusion that we would have to use medications. We had tried vitamins, diet and even behavior modification... nothing was working, and their issues were getting harder to handle. For us the medications are to handle: "autism" aggression, a type of depression and ADHD. As I've researched I've found that many, many people on the spectrum are in the same boat. Many parents (same as us) don't want to use the medications. We tried diet, behavior modification, time outs, etc. -nothing else worked.

As they've gotten older, we've found the issues that distract and caused problems have only increased. We know that ABA will help them learn to handle certain issues, but not all. We also found that the medications we are using are the same ones prescribed for many kiddos with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) with good results. Not everyone with autism will benefit from the same medication, sometimes it takes a few medications before finding the right one(s).

For "autism" aggression and serious behaviors many people get very upset to find out that mostly "anti-psychotics" are used. However, like many medications the reason for a medication's "type" is based on what the trial was done for to get the medication approved. Many medications have been found to treat multiple conditions. For instance, aggression seems to be most treated by such drugs as Zyprexa, Prozac, Zoloft and Risperidone. Most people I've talked to have had good results with Risperidone for their kiddos with ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

• For depression and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly used. Prozac, Zoloft or Lustral can be used in addition to other medications or alone - depending on the need.
• For kiddos with ADD or ADHD [attention (hyperactivity) deficit disorder) also, stimulant medications are generally prescribed. I know it sounds funny, but the stimulant actually helps to calm them and redirects their focus. 
• The one disorder that most people don't realize affects 1 in 4 people with ASD: seizure disorders. These are treated with anticonvulsants like Lamictal, Topamax, or Depakote.
• There are other reason for someone on the spectrum to be treated with medication, but these seem to be the most common among them.

A good article on the different medications used for autism see the following link:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/medications-for-autism/

We are very lucky to have a physician that has kept up with these medications, and so far, the first try seems to have worked for each need. We know that because these medications work today, it doesn't mean they will work tomorrow. For many kiddos, as they grow and their body chemistry changes, the need to change medication becomes a very real possibility. We have been lucky enough to see the benefits of less aggression, happier kiddos (like they were before) and more focus.

From a mother's heart - whatever it takes to help your kiddos be happy and progress, research. Don't take anything for granted. Give them what they need... and love, love, love them.
God Bless