equality

[yvonne-cat]

Hi seeking how others feel about the use of psychotropic drugs on those with autism spectrum? Also would like to know if individuals and their families were given public health information regarding the side effects of these drugs. Especially interested in those areas that provide easy read format for those with LD and autism.

[Glad2BDifferent]

Personally, I found P-T.D's were the most insidious way to steel away my personality and turned me into a yes zombie. I class anti-depressants as the same class, because for me, that was the turning point of helping myself once I got off of them after 10 days! The GP had no idea what he was dealing with, so just handed out the anti-depressants and I had to do the research... there was no help and there was little comprehension of the impact it could have on me taking them. If it get's to that stage where you are doing any kind of potions to help get better.....the person supplying them is at the last option!

[yvonne-cat]

There has been issues of over medicating adults with autism with psychotropic drugs to 'manage their behaviours' without reasonable evidence of underlying mental health. Consequently chemical restraints have been employed- and throughout this time how many families and their carers have been fully informed of the devastating side effects( both short and long term) Hope this clarifies

[Whatisee]

My daughter with AS behavior traits was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and given a prescription. She took it for awhile and didn't like it. We are working more on understanding her be hair and modifying it ourselves now that we kinda get it. Less emotional meltdowns now that we are looking at the behavior differently . I changed my expectations as well and there is less anxiety for my daughter I learn to live with her habits and comfort zone and correct behaviors that get out if line by being rude or offensive to others .

[yvonne-cat in reply to Whatisee]

use of positive behaviour support has been very effective with my family member

[davidgolf49]

Autism is not an illness, so therefore drugs are not necessary.

[yvonne-cat]

Yes Davidgof49 I agree that more pro- active measures should be in place for those with autism rather than interventions with medication