Ped's med question

kids · Jan 11, 2003

First off I'll admit I haven't read the risperdal thread (yet). As my company expands its "target demographics" beyond high-tech Peds and into the realm of severly MR/DD, autistic children (they are eligible for HHA/CNA level care) I encounter a lot of Risperdal, Clonazepam, Xyprexia etc use to control their physically abusive/agressive behaviors into these kids. In a *perfect* world these kids would would have all of their behaviors managed using nonpharmacological methods...in the REAL world neuroleptic medications need to be used to protect both the children and their caregivers.

I am somewhat comfortable with a PCP managing these meds if they are a Ped but I do think a peroidic medication eval with a Psych is appropriate...I would suggest checking with your countys crisis center to see who specialized in Peds Psych in your area, another opssible option is to check if there is a Med School that has a Ped Psych clinic (if it is realistic travel wise).

BTW...God bless you, I don't know how parents of severly challenged children do it.

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2003

I cannot respond to the meds questions as I have no peds experience but I just wanted to say you must have the patience of a saint to care for those two children.

God Bless,

renerian

MomNRN, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2003

If you are comfortable with your PCP, stay with him. It is difficult to find physicians who you feel comfortable with and conversely who are comfortable treating your children. I work at a school where we have varying degrees of disability similar to your children. I see many kids who are on the multiple meds you speak of.

We have had a couple of kids who had good luck with Risperdal, but it increased their appetite and caused quite a weight gain. I am talking about 8 lbs a week. Other than the weight gain and appetite, no other adverse effects - yet! You never know how these meds affect the kids until you try - if you are willing to take the risk.

2amigos · Jan 12, 2003

kids-r-fun and momsNRN, thanks for your imput. Thank goodness the meds haven't caused a weight gain as both of the girls are small. I agree that I wish we could control the behavior with behavior modification, but unfortunately it hasn't worked most of the time.

Renerian, thanks, but I don't have lots of patience. It's just that it comes pretty natural dealing with special needs kids. I don't know how to explain it, cause it usually just comes out wrong. We have two birth kids and adopted three special needs kids and I'd do it all over again. We did foster care for a while after we were done adopting and I loved doing it. What fun!!!

I appreciate you all taking the time to post to my questions, concerns. Thank you all so very much!

Cheryl Moore

ucandoit · Jan 14, 2003

I have a son who is 4 and autistic along with mild cerbral palsy! I know how you feel!!! God bless you!

MomNRN, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2003

Another reason to get out of the crappy town you live in Nurse2002 - maybe you will have access to a better school for your special needs child. Good luck!

erika's destiny · Mar 21, 2003

Hello Everyone! I'm a nursing major. After becoming a RN, I want to get specialized in pediatric. I'm not quite sure how to go about it. Can anyone give me some information? If so you can email me at [email protected]