Risperdal | Autism PDD

My son is on Clondidine also.  He takes it before he goes to be to help him sleep.  If I don’t give it to him he will not sleep.  When you say aggression what do you mean?  Give me an example?

Well when he first starts getting frustrated/upset he'll touch inappropriately (not bathing suit areas) but like someones arm in a upset way, then if it isn't addressed right he'll start "play hitting" softly then harder....it gets to the point in full meltdown he hits and kicks - starts using anything in the room as a weapon...we call them weapons of choice...really should be WMD!  But it does take time (weeks) before he goes from happy, but frustrated to freakin' p.o'd that no one is helping him in the way he needs.
ETA - he CAN NOT control himself when this stuff happens.
Payne's Mom39288.4732060185

My son started risperdal at 5y. It is used for his aggressive and violent behavior. My 11y NT dd uses it also but to ease anxiety(she can't take any antidepressants.) She was also having irritability and rage-type outbursts.

For my son--it was the best med we ever put him on.

For his inattention and impulsiveness, he is on Strattera. My son can actually LEARN in school now without behavioral problems!!

My sons doctor wants to put him on Risperdal.  He is 5 years old. He was diagnosed with Autism about 2 years ago.  I really don't want to put him on the drug because of all the bad things I read.  From my understanding this is for more behavior issues.  My son does not have them.  I really want something to control his energy, ability to focus, and attention.  Would you suggest getting him evaluated for ADHD? Where would you go?

My son is on Risperdal...it was a WONDERFUL thing for us. We've tried other rx but to no avail. He takes it to help curb aggression mostly. It does help SLIGHTLY with focus and impulse control, but Payne is off the charts. He is ADHD as well - but he doesn't do well with stimulants that typically treat ADHD (ie Ritalin, Focalin, Adderall) so we have him on Clonidine (a blood pressure medicine by trade) but it helps him slow down a little. What doctor did you see that is wanting to put him on Risperdal?

I thought this was more for behaviors.  My son has about 1 melt down a month.  But has about 1 temper tantrum a day.  Most of the time it is just to get my attention.  He will kick, hit and cry.  But it is all fake.  I don’t see my sons as a real behavior issues.  I don’t think we will try this medication.  I am really not liking the side effects.  My sons main delay is his communication.  Because he can’t tell me if the side effect are happening I don’t think we would do it.

If you are concerned about mostly focus, sitting still and that kind of thing I would consult a ped psychiatrist and they most likely will try a stimulant. Ritalin is out of their systems within a day.

ETA - with Risperdal you NEED to make sure it is prescribed by someone who uses it APPROPRIATELY often - sees autistic individuals and actually helps their sx. It did not come across that you particularly trust this dr...which is VERY important. The side effects for this drug can be devastating. I would advise against it unless other means have been tried.
Payne's Mom39288.5040277778Thank you.  I will try that. Good luck

ETA - Maybe the reason he is tantruming is the communication barrier. Have you tried PECS or signs? PECS are usually picked up quicker and easier than signs. We still use them from time to time.
Payne's Mom39288.5085069444Risperdal works for behaviors that cannot be controlled by other means.  It also works to control tics.  It is not primarily for inattention or hyperactivity. The best med for that is Ritalin.  But age 5 is YOUNG for any meds. Until a child has had a good behavior intervention plan implemented at both school and home, it's too soon to know whether he needs meds or not.  Is this doctor an autism expert?  If not, don't use him for ANY meds for your son.  Doctors need to be VERY familiar with how to medicate kids on the autism spectrum because our kids often have unorthodox reactions to meds.  If you are considering any kind of medication, even Ritalin, go to a doctor who specializes in autism and medicates ASD kids every day.  In the meantime, get a behavior intervention plan created for your son in school and then adapted for use at home. Make sure everyone in the house buys in to the plan.  And make sure your son is getting as much speech/language therapy as he can.

 

 I do teach a student who was diagnosed as ADHD with some autistic   characteristics. His parents and I were following his behavior, which was hyperactive and sometimes intolerable. His mother started 4 months ago and its is working, it is to be noticed that not only his behavior was getting better but also his attention span as well as his speech.

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  I really want something to control his energy, ability to focus, and attention.  Would you suggest getting him evaluated for ADHD? Where would you go?

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For us, Skylar's psychiatrist tested and diagnosed his ADHD and then started his treatment. Currently he is taking FocalinXR 20mg daily and we have seen a world of difference in him.

I would definitely talk to the doctor about testing him.
ADHD is diagnosed in kids this age using the Conner Rating Scale. You can ask that the school use it to get a bead on whether or not your child has adhd.  From what your posts say, it's pretty clear he does.  ADHD is nearly universal in ASD.  Ritalin is the beginning drug of choice because it is SO easily controlled. It works immediately and is OUT of the bloodstream in 4 hours.  It also is an easy way to test whether any stimulant medication can work. If Ritalin works, you can then change the child to other, similar meds that work more conveniently (like by patch or slow release, etc.)  If it doesn't work, the doc can feel confident about leaving the stimulant class of drugs and moving on to other types to try.  I would STRONGLY suggest not using a typical pediatrician for this.  Go to a doctor who medicates kids on the autism spectrum on a daily basis.  Medicating our kids is only part science.  Most of it is an art.  You need someone who has EXPERIENCE with ASD kids because our kids sometimes have very unorthodox reactions to meds -- both good and bad.  You won't ruin your child's health by trying out possible medication.  However, a good Behavior Intervention Plan needs to be put in place and followed, with our without drugs.  Good luck.
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