behavior issues

[trsn]

Anyone have a child w/autism & developmental delays that has severe behavior issues?  My son is 17 , non verbal,autistic & is developmentally delayed and has become very aggressive in the last year. he does anything from slapping ,punching, biting , kicking and spitting.   We are thinking of trying Risperdal.  Any suggestions or feedback would be appreciated.

[nastursim]

Given that he has only started the troublesome behaviour, maybe it has something to do with his hormones, or "just the age". As a mother, and I do know that aggressive behaviour is very hard to deal with, I would be looking at other avenues. Risperdal can be very debilitating and make him very sleepy. Has there been any change in his routine or life over this period that may have triggered this behaviour??

[nastursim]

Have you actually read about risperdal?? This might be very worthwhile as it is an antipsychotic drug. I myself took when I had a mental breakdown and I could not function. It is a very scary drug. I could not swallow my own spit, I dribbled all the time, my vision became very blurry, it can make you hallucinate. I would seriously look into something different for your son, I do know they sometimes use this with kids who have ADD, but surely other avenues would be worth investigating before taking away all joy from your son, I am sure he already has enough to deal with, and you also without the terrible side effects. My thoughts are with you and I am sure you only want the best for your son.

[rnkgross]

I have a son who is 14, he was diagnosed as high functioning and on the austistic spectrum. We have had Many of those awful behavior episodes. It really gets frightening when they get older and stronger than you.  We live in California and went to a clinic called the Amen Clinic. It was worth every penny we invested. Insurance even helped pay for a portion of it. Here they did what they call a Spec study. (Either Spec or Spect) Can't remember. I know they have a website. It is in New Port Beach California. AMAZING!! they did a  very thorough and extensive evaluation, study of his brain, multiple tests were performed...(none of which caused any pain or discomfort.) The end result was an amazing manual for my son. We were able to see the affected areas of his brains. Over and under active areas and areas of damage. Lastly, the team of doctors complied a report including a combination of vitamins and perscriptions. He takes an Ultimate Omega fish oil 2 x's a day, Vitamin C 2 x's and E, Strattera in the am and Lamictal at night. We have had great success and no complications. The attacks of rage definately increased when we saw signs of puberty that is what lead us to finding the Amen Clinic. When we found this place and I tell you, it was like finding a needle in the haystack that we had searched for for almost 11 years. I feel your exasperation. look at the website and do research on spec studies. Our plan is to stay on the perscription part of the plan until he finishes puberty. Then again to another spec study if necessary. Horomones do play a BIG role. God Bless....you are a wonderful parent for asking questions and doing your research.    

[trsn]

Thanks for your input.   i will definately check it out.

[rnkgross]

Did you get a chance to review the Amen clinic. Did you find anything new. I hope it is going well.