Posted by Mandy on March 25, 2006, at 11:27:26
In reply to autistic kids and meds, posted by med_empowered on March 23, 2006, at 2:30:13
I have a 37 year old daughter with autism, classic. We were told to institutionalize her when she was diagnosed. In those days, there was not much. But we preservered and got her in the first public school class in California. I refused to use meds on her in the early days because all they did was major sedate them or cause other adverse reactions. Behavior mod worked the best,although I must say that back then we still did not know what we know now.
I believe that every behavior has a reason--it is just so hard to know the reason because it can be so subtle as a little piece of material out of place in the room.
We have now put her on some medication because she has developed severe OCD and I do think the meds are safer and target the brain chemicals better. What has worked for her is Celexa and Tegretol worked for a long time,but now seems to be getting at toxic level so psych is going to try something else. It is so important to have a doctor who knows autism, and, unfortunately, in these days there are so many people with autism that more doctors are becoming knowledgeable.
I would like to tell you that my daughter lives in supported living which means she has her own place (with help from state monies), has a support day person who takes her to work three days a week--she works at Sports Authority for the past 5 years and recently got an award and a raise!! She loves to ride horses, and I think horses are a great help to people with autism. Melinda has a very normal life now, thanks to some very good support people. Don't ever give up hope. You must always be a strong advocate for your child, but they really can lead happy,productive lives.
poster:Mandy
thread:621882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060322/msgs/624462.html