I have an 8 yr old with Asperger's Syndrome...I need advice?

Question

I was wondering if other parents of AS kids get pressured into medicating them. The public school system where my son goes to keeps pressuring me and bringing it up at every meeting, and I'm against it. What if I place him in a chartered school for autism, would this issue of medication go away? He lacks focus and is easily distracted, but overall he's very bright and does his work, sometimes with assistance. Any experience with this matter will greatly help.

Answer 1

I am a special ed teacher at an elementary school and I work with children with Autism and Asperger's. And let me tell you first that asking questions and seeking alternatives is wonderful. You should always look to all sides of the situation.

From a school's point of view, Its difficult for the teachers to teach their lessons if a child has severe attention issues ( and that is Aspergers aside). If he was medicated for his attention issues, it might make him perform better and also more independently which I'm sure is a goal for you and his teachers. I also know with some AS kids they have OCD and the medication can also help with this as well.

I would talk again to his teachers and the special ed team about your concerns. Certainly if you don't want to medicate they can not force you, but they might be seeing different behaviors at school then you are at home. Also talk to them about other ways to handle his attention issues. Maybe he can a cue with the teacher and he may be excused to get a drink, or while there is alone work he can stand up while others sit. Maybe its as simple as him sitting close to the teacher. There are other ways besides medication to get through attention issues, but is possible that with his AS they are seeing something more serious then basic 8 year old attention. I hope this helps and Good luck!!

Answer 2

It sounds like you're referring to meds for attention? Our school certainly hinted around that, and I gather that it's pretty common. I'm not totally anti-meds, as it sounds like they really do help some kids, but if your son can get through his work without them, then that sounds promising.

Before you try changing to a different school, though, you might want to think about his overall needs. An autism-specific school may have smaller classes and fewer distractions, it's true. But it may not offer as many options to stimulate his intelligence as he gets older. Depending on the level of his social functioning, he may have fewer appropriate peers and role models in such a school. It might be better for everyone if your school system tries a different class or school, or more accommodations (like a quiet place to work) first.

I heard about attention for most of my daughter's first 3 years in elementary school, but this year she moved to a different school in the district, and I've hardly heard about it since. They say she stays on task quite well. Sometimes she prefers the quiet resource room, but that's the only accommodation needed. So before you take the strong measure of removing your son from public school, consider that a change in environment might really help him.

And legally, they can't really pressure you. It can be easier for schools to recommend medication than to do the work of figuring out how to adapt the environment to the child, but in fact it's their job to work with you on helping him succeed.

Answer 3

I have a 9 year old with Asperger syndrome and have always refused to put her on meds. As she is growing bigger and getting stronger I am now having to consider whether to put her on meds or not. I have now had to give her a high dose of melatonin just so I can get a few hours rest each night. You as his mom must decide what is best for your son after all you know him best. Don't let anyone try to push you into medicating him as all drugs do have side effects. Use your own judgement to decide what is best for him and you. If the time comes when you change your mind you must discuss it with your son and his doctor and all be in agreement. I wish you good luck.

Answer 4

I would check what meds they are referring to, I would be cautious about "hyperactivity" meds.

It may be worth exploring information about  meds that are used to treat anxiety as I know these have been very sucessful for some individuals.