I would like to know if the law says we have to medicate our autistic children and why?

Question

i honestly believe that the medication given to our children today is of no use and is harmful to them, but a sosial service person informed me that if i chose not to give my son meds i could be found guilty of child neglect and they would take my baby away from me. now they randomly test him to make sure i give him his meds.any suggestion anyone please help me because i know nothing of this ..

Answer 1

I have never heard of such a law. What medication are they trying to give him. They can not even force you to get them vaccinated! I have NEVER given my children a medication for their autism. They don't even know what causes it how can they give them a medications to help something they don't understand. A lot of medications have the opposite reaction on our children. I would talk with a lawyer.

Answer 2

As far as I know there is no medication to treat Autism. The medications that a person with autism would take are more likely to be behavioral medications, perhaps to reduce tics or outbursts. Also they may be related to other mental health issues, but regardless of medication the person will still have autism. It's not like having an infection and taking antibiotics, there is no cure.

So- requiring medication would be ridiculous, and as far as I know there are no laws requiring anyone to medicate people with autism.

Answer 3

Recently in the news there was a story about criminal charges being brought against parents that refused to allow their child to have surgery. (the child later died)

I'm not sure whether or not there are laws on the books that require you to medicate an autistic child but what if something happened because you failed to provide your child with proper medical treatment?

Ultimately, you're responsible to see that your child gets proper medical treatment and care. It's one thing if there's a question as to whether or not the treatment works but if it's proven to help....you should do the right thing.

Answer 4

There is no law anywhere saying you have to medicate any child. However, there have been controversies over parents not medicating their children with cancer and stuff, and being tried in court for "child neglect," and facing serious criminal punishments. As for autism, if he is in a special program, I can think of NO reason to medicate him, and those social services people need to pull their heads out of their butts and get with the program. Medication does NOT cure autism, therapy and counseling can help slow it down, but there is no "cure." Most kids with autism these days function fine with a therapy program such as ABA. Now would be the time to get a good lawyer.

I don't understand how child services can force you to medicate your son. That is completely absurd!

Answer 5

That is sick. I hope that isnt true. What if you were a christian scientist who didnt believe in medication?  I suggest you call and attorney and ifyou cannot afford one, go to legal aid in your community where attorneys donate their time

Answer 6

This is outrageous. There is no medication that treats autism, so it's not a matter of medical need, like the parents who didn't treat their daughter's diabetes. There are medications that can alleviate symptoms, but I have NEVER heard of any legal requirement that a child receive them, and what meds are useful for a given child is highly variable and certainly not for social services to say. (If your autistic child also has a different medical problem, then you would have to medically treat them as with any other child, but I don't think that's what you mean here.)

I think that the person who told you that should be reported, but parents can have a hard time being listened to (and it sounds like they're already bullying you), so I would want some help from a professional. If there is a regional autism support center in your area, they may know of resources for help. All the support centers I've ever spoken to have been very knowledgeable and understanding.

If you're not sure whether there's a center near you, try Googling "autism support" and the name of your state or nearby city, and see what it comes up with. Tell them your situation. You shouldn't have to deal with this alone.

Good luck.