The longer we walk this journey with Autism as a family, the more I learn, and then the more I learn, the more I realise that Autism is not as cut and dry as people would like to believe. I can agree that most Autistic people are very black and white, but their condition is not. It’s 6 million shades of blue, pink and purple and if you know anything about colour blending you’ll understand that those colours are similar in so many ways that it would be easy to think that one colour is the other and vice versa.
We have started a journey of finding medication that will help our son function in this often confusing and frustrating life with a level of calm and control, which is not afforded to him by the systems of this world, if we lived in biblical times he may have had a more peaceful existence, but in 2025 understanding, patience and acceptance is only just growing up. Autism, of any level, is a mix of so many things all at once, and even being a mother of an autistic child has made me wonder if I am not loosing my mind from time to time.
Oh, he’ll be fine I hear you say.
No, no Karen, he won’t be fine. He has autism, this is not something you “learn out of them” this is not something that he can “get used to” and forget about telling me to “discipline it out of him”, we’ve already gone down ALL OF THOSE ROADS, and NOT ONE has worked. We have done everything from hidings, rewards, consequences, gentle parenting even trying to ignore the behaviour, and let me tell you there are so few things that work, and when you find a method that does, it lasts maybe a few months, then you’re back to square one again.
He has had episodes of uncontrolled physical violence, and luckily he wasn’t over 50kg’s at the time and nobody was seriously injured. Now? Now he weighs 53kg’s, his hormones are kicking in and we have to find the right combination of things (therapies, medications, diet and emotional support) that will help him lead a measured life for his own safety and the safety of others.
But he’s so sweet, he wouldn’t hurt a fly!
Yes, he is very sweet, and no, he wouldn’t hurt a fly, but when he’s completely overwhelmed and in the middle of a meltdown, anything can happen. We have learned what to do in those situations, but what happens when he’s not with us one day and someone, a stranger, tries to intervene? He will fight. His only response is to fight. I have read too many articles about autistic kids who grow into adults and then get killed by uninformed, uneducated police or security because they do not understand how Autism works and how to diffuse a meltdown. Sure, my son is “high functioning” but all that means is that as an AUTISTIC individual, he is high functioning, the high functioning is not referring to his ability “to be neurotypical” or “normal” it refers to his relative position on the Autistic spectrum. This STILL puts him at a disadvantage when it comes to society and how an individual is expected to behave in public in general.
Autism is not like the flu, it doesn’t get better. It’s not like having cataracts, you can go for surgery to get your vision back. Autism is LIFE LONG, he will never NOT be autistic. He will never be NORMAL. He will ALWAYS be at a disadvantage. So it is our job, as his parents, to ensure he gets EVERYTHING he needs to be able to function in life. We will give anything to help our children, including finding him medication that will help him function so that he doesn’t feel like his own body is too overwhelming, so that he doesn’t have to question his value and his significance every day.
He has been on a blend of medication for around a year now, but we don’t think it’s really doing what it needs to be doing. Life has gotten very intense with his grandparents moving in with us, our home is being renovated and I have a full time job, outside of the house, now. So he needs more support now and he has been crying for help for weeks and weeks. We have asked his Pediatrician to take over his care and we are already feeling more at ease with the level of interest he has taken in ensuring our son gets what he needs and works for his body. We had a questionnaire to fill in, myself and my son, and the doctor took the time to explain, in detail, how the different medications work and what their functions are. Even off-label prescriptions and how that works. The differences between first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) anti psychotics, the way some of these can also be used in Autistic individuals and when you really come to terms with the fact that Autism is not curable, not cute and quirky and most definitely NOT what you see on TV shows like “The Good Doctor” or “Young Sheldon”, you find yourself giving up on the hope of your family functioning like every one else’s never mind looking like every one else’s.
Here is a quick Google AI breakdown:
While there isn’t a medication to directly treat autism itself, certain medications can help manage specific symptoms and related conditions in autistic children. These medications are often used in conjunction with behavioral therapies and other interventions.
Here’s a breakdown of common medications and their uses:
FDA-Approved Medications for Specific Symptoms:
- Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify): These atypical antipsychotics are approved for treating irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behavior associated with autism in children. Risperidone is approved for ages 5-16, and aripiprazole for ages 6-17.
Other Medications (Off-Label Use):
- Antidepressants (SSRIs): Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) can be used to manage anxiety and depression in some autistic children.
Stimulants: Medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) may be prescribed for hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are sometimes associated with autism. Anticonvulsants: These medications can be used to treat seizures, which can be a co-occurring condition with autism. Anti-anxiety medications: These medications can be used to help with anxiety associated with ASD. Clonidine: This medication can be used to manage irritability and disruptive behaviors.
Important Considerations:
- Individualized Approach: Medication decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the child’s specific symptoms, medical history, and potential side effects.
Combination Therapy:
Medication is most effective when used alongside behavioral therapies and other interventions.
Potential Side Effects:
All medications have potential side effects, and it’s crucial to discuss these with the child’s doctor.
Off-Label Use:
Some medications are used off-label, meaning they are prescribed for conditions other than what they are officially approved for. This is a common practice in autism treatment, but it’s important to understand the rationale and potential risks.
Regular Monitoring:
The child’s response to medication should be closely monitored, and adjustments may be needed.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment plans for your child.
