I just joined autisable, I usually don't like blogging because my life is just not so interesting but I have two children under 10 years old.
My first was born at 1 pound 4 ounces (this is the child who has autism). Any how that child was prescribed Ritalin at age 2 1/2 ( prescribed for the ticks and the head banging) well it worked like a charm ( apparently she had treated other children with it with success). Now my child is almost 10. What worries me is my child is half Asian and small by genetics (their dad is Chinese and very short small frame) and I have been reading about Ritalin and some of the side effects are stunted growth.
Like I said she's older now and the size of a 4 year old, her weight is good but she's like her dad small boned).
I'm wondering if I should continue with the Ritalin or if I should give it a shot without it.
My only problem with the Ritalin is she's is small already and I wouldnt want the drug to stunt her growth. If anyone has advice on what to do, please comment, thanks.
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More and more research is indicating that the autistic brain is indeed wired differently than a typical brain. I've been reading what Brain Balance - http://brainbalancecenters.com - has to say about changing the brain. They contend certain exercises, activities, and behavioral modifications tailored to the individual can help rewire missed connections in the brain, leading to a reduction of symptoms. It's worth a read. It's a more natural approach that is brain based not drug based. Just wanted to offer that as an alternative since you are considering stopping medication. My daughter has terrible SPD and we never considered medication. After intensive therapy, she is really thriving and she has less symptoms.
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If she is only the size of a 4 year old and she's ten, something has been stunting her growth, maybe genetics, maybe ritalin. How much does any girl grow after the age of 10? 6" more or less? I think you'd do better to take her to a pediatrician and ask for advice than put it out to the public who might come up with just the right answer but might not.
Well, have you ever tried Ritalin before, you're essentially giving your autistic child watered down crack that shrinks and atrophies the brain so pretty much anything is an improvement.
@SavonDuJour@xanga - Yes we go on a regular basis to a hospital that specializes in children with problems due to low birth weight. We had feeding tubes and the whole catastrophy. Her dad is only 5 foot tall but since I have been tapering her off I already see that she is eating more :)
@spin_cycle_submission@xanga - I've never tried it and I am tapering her off.