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I don't think there are any doctors on this particular forum so I would talk to your son's neurologist or psychiatrist about medication.
-LauraView Thread

The treatment (depending on what you choose) is pretty much the same.
If you have the means, order the book "Straight Talk on Autism" from Amazon.com and read that. It's an excellent book.
Good luck and hang in there. You're not alone.
-LJView Thread

Within five minutes my son is at the table, chowing down...
-LJView Thread

-LJView Thread

Raymond used to scream all night long...for hours. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage for your son's weight and start giving him Melatonin at night about 30 minutes before bed.
Melatonin is what neurotypical people's bodies produce that studies show people with Autism don't produce (so they don't sleep at night).
Also...if you're still unsure about giving him Melatonin...make sure it's not a sensory issue that's making him scream and kick. It could be something as simple as he doesn't like the type of fabric he's wearing...
Or the smell of the pillow he has...
If he's not verbal yet...I would talk to your doctor about giving him the Melatonin. You can buy it in the vitamin section of Wal-Mart.
I give Raymond (who is almost 6) 3 mg a night about an hour before bed and he goes to sleep...sleeps through the night...and wakes up a happy camper.
Hang in there. You're not alone.
-LauraView Thread

-LauraView Thread

Does your son do any of the following behaviors (in addition to the anger issues):
-Play with toys in a "normal" fashion? (Or does he play with odd things such as strings or things that kids wouldn't normally play with.) Does he spin the wheels of his toy cars or hold things very close to his face and just stare at the object?
-Does he play with other children? Ever?
-Does he dislike changes to his routine?
-Does he dislike meeting new people?
-Does he look you in the eyes?
-Does it seem like sometimes he doesn't hear you when you're calling his name?
-Does he have any obsessions: Trains, dinosaurs, politics etc.?
-Did he have any verbal delays? Or did he talk very early?
-Does he walk on his toes?
-Does he flap his hands/arms when he's nervous or excited?
-Does he speak in a monotone (robotic) voice?
-Does he speak very loudly?
-Did he hit his age milestones? (Pointing at objects, etc.)
-Does he only seem to want to eat one type of food and throws massive tantrums if it's not that food?
-Does he not like certain textures/foods/smells/sounds?
-LauraView Thread

A lot of ADHD symptoms are similar to Autism. The good news is...the treatment is basically the same for both conditions...although a lot of parents with a child with ADHD choose to medicate. (My own parents medicated my brother, who had severe ADHD.)
Look up ABA therapy...whether your son has Autism or ADHD...this treatment will help.
-LauraView Thread

The thing that helped me the most with my sister (Raymond's aunt) was when she asked me what SHE could do to help me or Raymond with his treatment. She offered to babysit for a couple hours...offered to be part of the treatment plan...and offered to go with us to various doctor appointments. Basically...offer your support (as much as you are able to give).
For your nephew...the best thing you can do is to go along with whatever treatment plan your brother and sister-in-law choose for him. He's the same kid...sometimes that will be hard to remember...but as time goes by you'll see that he's still the same awesome little guy.
As for how to deal with your feelings...therapy is the best rememdy. I can't recommend therapy enough.
And the boards will help you, too. If you have questions...we're here.
Keep in touch.
-LauraView Thread

-LauraView Thread
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