Is it Safe for Children with Autism to Take Medication?

[@eunhyunbates2801]

I have just listened to your podcast(#181) on medications(Top 5 questions and answers). Thank you for putting out this valuable information for parents and caregivers. I found you and Kelsie's view well balanced and reasonable on the following points : - Putting your child on medications is a very complicated matter and it should be done through careful consideration by patents and experienced and qualified doctors. Their benefits and side effects could be posively significant or seriously destructive. - Medications most often deal with symptoms. They don't address their root causes. - Therefore it make sense to address the health issues as much as possible before considering medications. It also helps to put therapies, special diets and supplements in place first and allow time for them to work in your child. - Yes, doctors are there to help but you need to do your own research. After all you have the best interest in your child and you know him/her best. It was refreshing to hear your podcast on this issue. Thank you.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you so much for your input and I'm very happy that you resonated with this podcast episode! If you're looking for more info, check out MaryBarbera.com/resources.

[@MollyMcBooter]

We tried risperidone and ABA therapy. All the risperidone did was make him gain 12 pounds in less than 2 months and the ABA therapy was so triggering for him he bashed his own head through the wall twice then bit the therapist so hard he tore a chunk of skin out of her hand 👍 The only thing that seems to work with him is basically letting him be alone most the time with no outside interference, but that isn’t going to work in the real world. Eventually he’s got to deal with other people who aren’t mom.

[@ritaeslinger7011]

I haven’t watched many of your videos recently but I thought I would watch this one. Sometimes, especially in the past, I would wonder if I made the right decision for our son to start on meds towards the end of his grade 3 year. This video helped validate that decision.

[@marybarbera]

I'm happy that you found this video helpful. Thank you so much for watching!

[@latonyahall2086]

​@@marybarberait is very hard my child's behavior has not changed. She is got suspended multiple times

[@hollylynn111]

Are there any natural products/remedies that you have come across that potentially help children, instead of the medication?

[@marybarbera]

Yes! I discuss that a bit in this episode www.marybarbera.com/181

[@drmario5942]

I’m concerned about a”flight risk” or wondering off. Even abductions. Do you have any recommendation about monitoring or tagging children

[@marybarbera]

I have safety blog that might be helpful to you: www.marybarbera.com/safety

[@kenny3282]

what are the serious side effects of the medication you listed

[@marybarbera]

It is best to talk to your doctor about side effects and the risks/benefits! you are correct that all medicines have side effects and for some the benefit doesn't outweigh the risks and for some it does.

[@autismcureisaprocess1549]

Is Vrayler good alternative for 11 year old?