Medication help for MR & autism

[dljames]

My daughter is mentally retarded, has autism, ADHD, and more recently has been diagnosed with Intermittent Explosive disorder. She is 10 and her level of MR is severe so she is unable to tell me how she feels. She has always been aggressive towards herself and others. She has been on risperidone for many years. Recently we have tried other drugs and her symptoms of aggression have increased. She is currently on Strattera, serequel, and hydroxizine (to help her sleep). She has only been on the serequel 2 days and it is not helping. The risperidone was stopped immediately because of weight gain. I need some suggestions on what we can do. HELP! I am tired of getting beat up, and I especially feel very bad for her because she cannot communicate with me how she is feeling. I feel like maybe we should go back to the risperidone even though she gains weight and even though she was still aggressive. It wasn't as bad as it is now. Our quality of life is getting worse as she gets older. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[specialmom]

Hi there.  Oh goodness, I'm sorry all of this is happening.  Some medi, cations take a bit of time to reach therapeutic levels for efficacy.  Seroquel would be a medication like that.  It may help with sleep right away but take longer to work on any other symptoms.  She was on risperidone for many years but stopped abruptly for weight gain??  Hm.  Well if that class of antipsychotic medication worked to control her symptoms, there are others in the class.  I'd try that.  And weight gain----  well, in the area of managing a difficult patient's symptoms, most physicians look at benefits verses cons.   If the benefits are greater often a medication is continued even if it has an unwanted side effect.  

No one here can really suggest a medication for your daughter but instead, I encourage you to be very vigilent with your treating physician.  Squeaky wheel gets the grease and I'd squeak loudly.  You are your child's advocate and the advocate for your family life.  So, you need to be heard that they must continue to work on the right balance of medication for your daughter.

Does she do other types of therapy that help with coping skills and behavior modification???  Occupational therapists often work on this as well as psychologists and I highly recommend it.  

I do wish yo luck dear.  It is hard.  Some will say to look into side effects of the medication and that is something any prudent parent will do.  If they are exacerbating aggressiveness, that is something to consider.  Has she had a period of being drug free any time recently and what is that like?  But your daughter sounds like she has so many significant issues going on that to make  her feel more peaceful inside seems to be a great goal.  You need peace though too.  Wishing you luck and sending you hugs.

[skepticalpeach]

First of all, I am so sorry you are going through this. My daughter has autism, but is not aggressive (she's also 5). I don't know a whole lot about medications for developmental disabilities in children because my DD does not need to take any. We do give her fish oil supplements. Fish oil contains Omega 3 which helps the brain. I would also make sure that you keep her busy during the day. That way, hopefully, she can get her aggression out by jumping on a trampoline, punching a bag, running, climbing, etc. I would also take dairy out of her diet if you haven't done so already. I know many people recommend taking out gluten, but so many times people with autism are very picky eaters and that can be difficult to make happen. Also, do you have a PCA in your home to help? A PCA is a personal care attendant (sort of like a nanny) that your insurance provides. You may also want to consider looking into respite care for a day or two. That way you can get a break and some time to yourself.