Risperdol

So, we started a new medication a few days before school started to try to help Hayden focus and also to help him not have so many compulsive head-banging sessions a day. The new medication is called Risperdol and is primarily used to treat bi-polar disorder in adults and teens. It has recently been used in younger children that have autism spectrum disorders or spectrum-related disorders to help cope with compulsive behaviors.

Now that he has been on it for 2 weeks, I am really seeing a difference. We skipped one day of the medication and it was like a different child was living in my house. He had meltdown after meltdown and was so busy and unfocused I didn't know what way to turn. All I can say is I am very happy with the Risperdol.

Usually, I don't use prescription medications for Hayden. I do my very best to steer clear due to side-effects and dependancy issues. After reading up on Risperdol it shows that the main side-effect is weight gain. Well, as the parent of a child with Sensory Integration Disorder I can tell you that weight gain is a struggle for us. Because Hayden has sensory issues he is at the bottom of the growth curve, so bring on the weight gain! I am actually excited to see him eat!

With that in mind last night we treated him to McDonalds ... I know, I know! He ate all of his chicken nugget happy meal and two additional nuggets from my meal, so we are certainly eating! :0) Happy boy = Happy mommy! I will keep you posted on how the meds continue to work!