Ian and I (Dad) just pulled into Oklahoma City. Why so far away from home?
Ian is in a special study. He was accpeted into a study where Abilify is given to children with Autism to control their tremendous mood swings (it is typically prescribed to adults who are manic). It was a double blind study that is free. Unfortunatley, children like Ian (if they are even lucky to have insurance, which Ian has not had for most of his life...and not because we couldn't afford insurance...but don't get me started on that one) are forced to find FREE type of guinee pig treatments to get help.
Our family has come out of pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Ian over the last 5 years. My wife has searched hi and low to find anything that can help him. This study has shown some ability to control his mood swings. However, after a certain point, he kinda becomes zombiefied.
We'll report in the a.m. to have his vitals read (a short 15 minute appointment) and then make the 3 hour drive back home. I always try to leave late at night so he sleeps down here but the morning drive backs are trecherous with him throwing stuff at you the whole trip back. Very dangerous.
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I am familiar with a family who used Abilify with their son who has special needs to control his behavior-- he also became "zombiefied" as you put it. He was just not himself. No words, no smiles, no hugs... My husband and I went to visit him one day; we took him out to his FAVORITE activity (a train ride at the zoo) and he was falling asleep... no smiles or anything. The next day (mom had forgotten to give him his meds this morning), we came back to visit and he came running out of the house up to our car, laughing, smiling, hugging, and kissing... and talking up a storm (as best as he could!) The difference was shocking.
ReplyDeleteWe have reduced how much he takes. He's down to very little. His behavior has gotten worse. His teachers say "they want the old Ian back".
ReplyDeleteWell, I hate to tell them this, but the old Ian is the one that had the tantrums. Loving one minute, the next minute a tazmanium devil.
We are moving towards all natural but are finishing the study "JUST IN CASE" we find that we may need the help with the medicine.
There is a silver lining for us. WE FINALLY! got some help from MHMR to assist in some ABA training for us. For the first time, the therapist seemed to know what she was talking about. In just the 2 days she's been out, we have been able to implement some awesome behavior changing tools with Ian that are actually working! We are encouraged and will blog about it when we get back from our trip!
As some of you may know, autism is not a covered medical condition on insurance. So the parents of autistic kids come out of pocket for everything.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate the response from another who has had some experience with the abilify.