Do most children with Aspergers Syndrome or ADHD need to be on medication for it?
412948
I don't know how old your son is, but change for an Autistic child is extemely hard. I'm sure you know this already, though.  my brother has asbergers and he is going to be 21. each year he seems to be getting better and has had his medication reduced quite a bit over the years. he too has dealt with death and changing schools. a stable environment and support system is key for these two mental disorders.\n\ni think that children/people with autism need to be on some form of medication and therapy for the rest of their lives. unfortunately they were not made to function in the real world with as much comfort as others. \n\nthe key right now is stability and support, though. the right balance of these two things without making too much of a fuss that they are "special" is the best for them. i never felt embarassed or ashamed of my brother, and that has helped him grow into his own person.
256587
Please do not listen to martinamagrace.   ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.\n\nyes there are side effects to medication.  the effects on people are different as no one is the same. \n\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.  Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.  Symptoms of this syndrome may include: Poor impulse control and internal self-monitoring, attention inconsistencies, chronic procrastination, the need for instant gratification, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and hypoactivity, poor peer relationships, poor concept of time, and the need for highly stimulating activities.\n\nEven though the syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition, children should not be left to flounder with their difficulties when there are treatments available that will help.  Failure to treat ADHD carries significant risks whose lifelong consequences are well known: Failure to get an education, poor self esteem, substance abuse, and antisocial behaviors that become habitual and can contribute to failure at life. \n\n ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.  There are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\n People are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nPeople seem to be worried that children will abuse the medication or that the drug will make them lethargic which is a major misconception about Ritalin.  Ritalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.  \n\nCollege students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nAnyone who watches the news knows that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates vary widely from one community to the next.  Many people come to the conclusion that doctors are simply drugging healthy children into submission.  Skepticism is justified.  Consumers can be led to think they’re sick when they are not.  Ads may encourage them to blame poor discipline or lack of accomplishment on a disease, perhaps even consider getting disability compensation.\n\nThough most research supports the belief that ADD/ADHD is a brain-based disorder, more specific and detailed criteria needs to be established to diagnose someone with this dis
921805
Whatever the law says, disability insurance is meant to be for people who are actually DISABLED, not people who just have trouble sitting still in class.  I think that ADHD is something of a social construct, but I'm all for giving kids (and adults) meds for it if the benefits outweight the side effects (which they usually do, even for people who don't have very significant attention problems).  However, trying to get a disability check for it doesn't seem right to me.  Remember that whatever money the government gives you is money that they don't have to spend on something else.  Given the state of our national budget, the last thing we need is more people clamoring for government handouts they don't need.  If meds help your kid, by all means medicate him, but you're not doing anyone any favors by trying to get a disability check out of it.
31067
Very valid question. My 8 yo daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD and OCD.  While they are two completely different conditions, the presence of both conditions in one child can exaggerate the appearance of one or both conditions.  Medications and therapy definitely helps.
1074699
Asperger's Syndrome is a condition similar to autism. It is a neurological difference, so there is no cure. \n\nMore about the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome can be found here: "The Discovery of "Aspie" Criteria by Dr. Tony Attwood and Carol Gray - http://www.thegraycenter.org/sectionsdetails.cfm?id=38\n\nI would suggest joining a positive online community for persons with Asperger's Syndrome, such as http://www.aspergianpride.com/\n\nI would also highly recommend the following books: \n\n"Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" by Jerry Newport\n\n"Asperger's and Self-Esteem: Insight and Hope through Famous Role Models" By Norm Ledgin and Dr. Temple Grandin \n\n"Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism" By Paul Collins\n\nGood luck and I hope this helps! \n\n"From my clinical experience, I consider that children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome have a different, not defective, way of thinking." - Tony Attwood
838823
He may not actually have ADHD.  That's a pretty good way to figure out if a child has it, but it's unethical to give someone drugs to see how they might affect the person--so it's not done.  My guess is he's been misdiagnosed, but try to get the medication switched by consulting with your doctor.
514791
Make sure to find out what it is.  In NH 1 out of 4 students are medicated and don't need it.  You say it is not ADHD, do you know what it is.  research more in to it.  worst come worst.  Take your kid for walks before school.  Teach him responsibility.  Get him a puppy.  tell him to walk it and brush it be for school ever day.  A puppy has the energy to keep up with a five year old.\nYour right with choosing medication free.  Your son can't get in the army if you are on Ritalin be for the age of 12.  They are also now finding the cause depression that can lead to suicide.  My brother is on some thing now, do your research.
552828
In some rare cases, yes, otherwise no.  I think that doctors need to try all other methods of behavior modification before prescribing any mind altering substance, and even then, something that is tried and true that was studied to the hilt for any adverse effects.  There are so many meds prescribed these days people are becoming immune to them and diseases don't respond anymore to meds.  I know the psychiatric meds are different but when you alter the human mind, who knows what could happen.  As it is now serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressents such as Paxil now carry warnings about suicidal effects.  \n\nI think as a society we need to be more responsible for what we do, how we treat people, and take a look at ourselves.  In some extreme cases meds should be prescribed but years ago those meds didn't exist and people did ok except for the few extremes.  We need to focus more on counselling, support groups, self help, and family help for kids.  Parents need to be supportive and there for their kids not shove them off on teachers and babysitters to try to teach them appropriate human behaviorisms such as manners and responsiblity.  There's too much focus on "problem solving" why not focus on doing things the right way so there are no problems to solve?
1134044
I am an Aspie with two children with Asperger's.  I have to agree that there are a lot of children running around with very negative social skills.  I think that one of the big differences is that children with Asperger's are taught where NT children learn from the environment.  If the parents, teachers, other figures in the child's life are disrespectful then they will pick up on that.  Where I live children are dumped outside for the summer and do not go home until ten to twelve at night.  These children pick up on all the negative behaviors and have no structure or good role models.  My children are not allowed outside unsupervised.  If my children hit, hurt, or aggravate another child I am there to teach him it is wrong.  There is no one there to teach the child who usually started the situation.
565786
medication is the only way to go i have a friend that has a son & i have seen him go through some changes without being on his meds & he scares me at times being around my son. his doctor has changed his meds so many times to a higher doseage theres times that he cant sleep hes up all hrs. of the night he has a hard time focusing in school if hes not on his meds he does not do well in school his report card has not been the best schooling is very important.
1148867
I would say I was about  hmmm 5 or six when I started using words and such.  Most aspergers and autistics have trouble using body language and you say your child uses body language.  So far at four I would think he is closer to ADHD than autistic nor aspberger's.  My mother was quite concerned with me and took me to psychiatrists and other specialists on autism.  True the non-speech may point to autism but the body language and the hugs and kisses point strongly away from autism.  I really hope he starts speaking soon.  You wanted my e-mail no problem its canucksfan729@hotmail.com.
420582
Definitely.   These days, our medications are so advanced that there is a pill that can virtually target any sympton in the body.  The past 10 years for medicine has been the biggest breakthrough decade (partly due to the internet).  ADHD is actually sluggish brainwaves and as a result, many distractions come into the brain because nevers aren't traveling back and forth at a fast enough rate (totally opposite of what most people think).  And there are medications that can go exactly to those nerves and speed them up causing more focus which automatically calms a kid.  Truly amazing.   I am not saying I'm an advocate of pills at all, but if someone's quality of life is suffering,,,,maybe it's an option.  The question was about being helped so I answered accordingly!!
37668
I  have a child who has anxiety; has had symptoms for as long as I can remember.  I take more time with her, continually reasure her, I have her stop what she's doing for a minute and have her do breathing exercises, focus on calming down,etc...  I suffer from attacks, and finally got meds to help, but with a child, I'm very hesitant to resort to drug therapy if it can be avoided.
797186
well sometimes there is the need to use meds my son was on Ritalin i would have him seen by several others 4 there opinion teachers r quick to point out add-adhd it seems now days they used to not med until 3 or 4th grade u need more opinions or mom can keep him home put him in 1st grade next yr not alot of folks know this but in most states kinder is not mandatory good luck and i know what Ur going thru
200186
try spending more time with her... if you do your research children often diagnosised with ADHD often are just wanting and needing attention.  parents (not you) but a lot of parents find it easier not to discipline in a constructive manner by reinforcing, correct behavior, and concistancy. so you often find that so parents can get out the easy way they allow there children to play video games, watch an anormious amount of TV, eat things with red and blue dyes, and are not consistant with reinforcing behaviors that are expected, all of these say to kids play by yourself, watch tv by yourseld, and eat what you want to. leaving children lonely and wanting attention, try to play games with your child, rent a movie for just you and him/her and have a fun popcorn movie night, go for a walk, watch what you child is eating, (look up red, yellow and blue dyes in foods on the net and the effects from them) pay attention to what your child can't verbally express to you and stop trying to feed them pills. we need our children to be productive not so loopy that they can't function. these medicines are addicting and dangerous. did you know a lot of the ADHD meds cause children to halucinate? we have to work with our children and I am sure you are a wonderful parent and concerned other wise you wouldn't be asking this question, but maybe you could start asking your child more questions as well
245154
I also have ADD.  I was told when I was 7.  I have been on medication ever since.  I am now 24. \n\nI also just graduated with a dergee in special education.  \n\nIf you have any questions or just want to talk feel free to email me at teddybear_1829@yahoo.com
413432
if the child is truely just adhd they can outgrow it.  but if your child is like mine...adhd/bipolar or is he has the obsessive defiance disorder or any of the other disorders out there, chances are they'll be taking meds for the rest of their lives.