medication vs. behavior modification

[lucysmom]

I think a combination of the two may offer the best outcomes.

[Carrie]

of course :) but what medications "work?" I went to a short seminar last night and learned the following: Ritalin and other stimulants have a minimal positive effect and have more adverse side effects (something I've experienced first hand in my son). Prozac and other anti-depressants have almost no effect. And there have recently been a number of studies of Risperidone which seems to be having a positive effect on decreasing self-injurious, tantrum, and aggressive behaviors. But what wasn't covered is what helps the self-stim, tics, anxiety, and hyperactivity behaviors in these children. Aggressive behaviors and tantrums are easily targeted by behavior modification but how do you modify a behavior that is totally out of the childs control...like tics? Is there really a way you can teach someone not to respond to the internal stimuli that sets off a tic or self stim?

[lucysmom]

I was hoping you had some good news about medication!! God, I have no idea.
Currently, I am only working with two children with a diagnosis on the Autistic Spectrum. One of whom's mother rejects medication outright and one who had tried a few (of the above) with no great outcomes.

In terms of using behavior modifications with tics - of course, it would be important to tease out if the trigger is physiological/neurological (in some aspects ALL are) or external. The approach is the same as with tantrumming etc, action, reaction, reinforcement (gently, kindly and adapted to the individual child). If you think about it, it's all coming from the same place. Perhaps it can be redirected in the same way.

Have you ever tried non- traditional stuff like Reiki, Deep Pressure and Joint Compression? Accupressure (not unlike Acupuncture) has been very successful as a stress/anxiety reducer.

For many years I had the privledge of working with a rather magical Occupational Therapist who used some of the above with great results. In addition to her skill as a practioner and her vast knowledge of the physical and physiological challenges it was her gentle spirit and her ability to put children and parents at ease that was amazing. She was able to teach parents different techniques for calming and the best part, she always moved towards teaching the child self calming. It seemed to open new windows to understanding and communication.

[Carrie]

We've done, and still do at times (and a lot at school) deep pressure and joint compressions, and brushing too (and swings and vests and all sorts of OT stuff). Sometimes it helps calm my son, but about as much as any of the above medications have...
and none of it helps the verbal tics.

anyway...wish more people were around to offer input!

[AutMom]

Does he have a Tourette dx?

Also, I think you mentioned in another thread about the verbal tics starting along with some medication... interesting... Maybe other medication would just complicate things:confused:

[Carrie]

Well, it SEEMS like the verbal tics started with the meds but the doctor denies it. Currently he is on Clonidine which is actually a blood pressure medication and the results have been so-so. Well, on the good side of so-so. I'm still not sure about this whole medication thing but I really like the psychiatrist - she really listens, so I'm giving it a good chance. Anyone have tips on how to get kids to TAKE meds?