Could a child with somewhat destructive behavior need medication?

Question

mammo, I asked a question about my son. And you answered, thanks. He was evaluated by an aid program for children with disabilities. Considering the behaviors I mentioned, is it possible that he will need medication, refer to question about autism/sensory problems in this section.

Answer 1

sometimes they do need meds but I would do a lot of research first because in my own experiance drugging kids is not good .. some kids need it i know that but my son was on meds for adhd and we found out he was a diabetic not adhd

Answer 2

He certainly may qualify for a medication or combination of medicines that would slow his impulses down.  As a teacher of students for special needs students for more than ten years now, I can bear witness to the positive effects of these drugs.  Make an appointment with a psychiatrist in your area to see how they may help your son. Your local mental health clinic may be of service to you, too.  

Medicine is not always the only option, but lives (yours and his!) can be significantly effected with the right medication.

Answer 3

Although medication can be helpful for many kids, its very important to try all avenues first.  I'm a speech/language pathologist, and I have seen lots of kids who develop disruptive behaviors in part because they are struggling to communicate.  You mentioned that your son will be receiving speech/language therapy.  Try this and be in close contact with his speech/language clinician and see if the two of you can identify what your son might be trying to express when he acts out.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes, it is possible that he needs medication or will in the future.  The determination of when to medicate should be when he is too disruptive to handle at home or school and all other options have been exhausted.  I disagree with malamir, age is not a deciding factor about when to medicate, the degree of severity of the symptoms are the issue.  I would consult a pediatric neurologist and see what he/she thinks about meds for your son.

Currently my sons are not medicated.  I have been thoroughly trained on dealing with psychiatric issues, as this has been my profession for over 20 yrs.  

Having an autistic spectrum disorder increases the co-morbidities for several other disorders including anxiety, ADHD, bipolar etc.  My 7 yr. old takes xanex (anti-anxiety 0.25mg) before going to the dentist, but not daily.  I have considered doing a trial run of risperdal (anti-psychotic med) that is FDA approved for autistic spectrum disorders.  This med helps with impulsivity and focus/concentration, it also seems to help improve speech.  

My father is a psychologist and he is asperger's also.  Because of mine and my father's background I would not put my son on any stimulants, or anti-depressants.  In my experience as well as my dad's these meds don't work very well for kids on the spectrum.  My son is emotionally labile, and an anti-depressant is likely to make him manic.  Also stimulants I have seen cause autistic kids to become psychotic.

Answer 5

Too young to be medicated!Behavior therapy , occupational therapy and speech therapy first.

people, try to fix "inconvenient" behavior with medications, but later in life getting out of the medication is even bigger tragedy...

Answer 6

Sometimes children with autism need medication, but not always.  I would get him in a program at school first and foremost.  Follow their recommendations as far as scheduling of your son's day, communication, sensory issues, etc.  After you have given these things some time, and if there have not been any changes, you may want to look at that avenue.

Answer 7

depends on the age-and cause of the problem-not all behavior can be helped with meds

behavior services can be started at an early age-I have started with 1 year olds....

Answer 8

try therapies first.  many children benefit from medications, but more than that...the parents benefit.  not every problem can be fixed with meds...sometimes they're more of a mask.  if you really want to help your child...and halp your child help himself, you will start with therapies.  they will teach your child and you ways of calming, techniques to use when situations get out of control, etc.  best of luck to you!