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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
ADHD and children with Downs syndrome
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
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ADHD and children with Downs syndrome
by helen, Oct 17, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Doctor
Anthony , my 7 year old son has downs syndrome and is servely delayed ,around the 12 month old mark , Although he has had many challenging behaviours I have been able to manage up to now . Over the past 18 months these behaviours have become alot worse .I am constantly seen by all types of doctors social workers and behaviour experts and all paths seem to be leading in the same diection , DRUGS .I have always tried to get Anthony through any illness or problem without relying on medication .
Anthony seems hell bent on hurting himself constantly head banging (mostly for no reason at all )punching himself , biting himself and me , distroying furniture toys anything in his path ,after 7 long years I m ready to conseed and go with the drugs . My question is what type of drugs are these what are there affects both postive and negative and is there any other way of dealing with this. He has yet to be perscribed any medication but i expect this to happen later on in the month . Thankyou for looking at my question
Regards Helen
Anthony , my 7 year old son has downs syndrome and is servely delayed ,around the 12 month old mark , Although he has had many challenging behaviours I have been able to manage up to now . Over the past 18 months these behaviours have become alot worse .I am constantly seen by all types of doctors social workers and behaviour experts and all paths seem to be leading in the same diection , DRUGS .I have always tried to get Anthony through any illness or problem without relying on medication .
Anthony seems hell bent on hurting himself constantly head banging (mostly for no reason at all )punching himself , biting himself and me , distroying furniture toys anything in his path ,after 7 long years I m ready to conseed and go with the drugs . My question is what type of drugs are these what are there affects both postive and negative and is there any other way of dealing with this. He has yet to be perscribed any medication but i expect this to happen later on in the month . Thankyou for looking at my question
Regards Helen
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Oct 18, 2000 12:00AM
, Oct 18, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Helen,
Generally the wise course to follow is what you've done - that is, try non-pharmacological treatment methods and intervention plans first. And, even with medication, other interventions are always important. But there's no doubt, given the behaviors you describe, that use of medication is a sensible option now.
It's really not possible to discuss the available options in any detail, because there can be many possible suggestions for your son. The wisest guidance I can offer you is to speak with the prescribing physician about the target symptoms (that is, what behaviors will the medication be designed to address), dosing plan, possible and probable side effects, and possible interaction effects with any other medications your son might be taking or with any substances he might be ingesting via his diet.
Generally the wise course to follow is what you've done - that is, try non-pharmacological treatment methods and intervention plans first. And, even with medication, other interventions are always important. But there's no doubt, given the behaviors you describe, that use of medication is a sensible option now.
It's really not possible to discuss the available options in any detail, because there can be many possible suggestions for your son. The wisest guidance I can offer you is to speak with the prescribing physician about the target symptoms (that is, what behaviors will the medication be designed to address), dosing plan, possible and probable side effects, and possible interaction effects with any other medications your son might be taking or with any substances he might be ingesting via his diet.
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