Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 8/27/2009

Question
I know a 15year old boy with autism who has lately been showing signs of aggression.  He has to be pulled out of his special school because he has already hit a younger and smaller classmate.  His aggressive episodes usually occur in the early morning hours...he smashes things against the wall, slap his significant others, kicks, pounds on windows, etc.  He was referred to a doctor and was given prozac, yet his aggression continues.  The doctor said to wait till the prozac takes effect.  I read in one of your answers that there is a doctor whom you consulted that prescribed risperidol... also ativan for severe aggression. Did these combination of drugs worked?  Did it stabilized the child's mood? Did it stopped the aggression/violence?

My heart goes out to the parents who can hardly get any decent sleep, rest or work...  

Answer
Hi Lina
The child that you are referring to is my son. He is stabilized now for the most part. He does take a combination of drugs including Lithium. I would advise the parents to consult with a psychiatrist who understands aggression in children with autism. I am not a doctor and can not give advice about drugs, but it is essential that they find a good doctor. I will be happy to give these parents my doctor's name if they want it. Tell them to email me at:
info@valerieherskowitz.com

Tell them-I have been where they are and understand what they are going through.