Aggressive behavior medication without the side effect of weight gain.

[J_Lo]

Hi! My name is Jessie and my son is 6 years old.  He has been diagnosed with autism, sensory intergration, and aggressive behavioral issues.  He was put on Risperdal and Clonidine by his psychiatrist, this would work for a while, but then he will start with the aggression again. He hits his sister and me sometimes and I would pin him on the floor and tell him to say sorry, then I let him go.  I do tell him all the time "You do not hit anyone", but he does it anyway. My concern is that the risperdal made him gain weight.  He is 94 pounds, I was wondering if there is another medication that will help him with his aggression, but not make him gain weight.  He is already a very strong child and can literally knock me over.  His teacher calls him a line backer, since he bucks up at her sometimes and head butts.  Please let me know if there are better medications that won't make him gain weight, that way I can discuss different options with his psychiatrist.  Thank you.

P.S. I would like to know which state and/or city has better opportunities and help for children with autism.  There is no after school programs where I live and I am unable to get a job and I am a divorced single parent.  Any input will be helpful.

From: Jessie

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You might ask your son's doctor about the possibility of using aripiprazole to replace the Risperdal. Also, tajke a look at the web site of Autism Speaks, a very effective organization devoted to the needs of autistic children. The web address is www.autismspeaks.org.