If there was a drug that helped non-verbal kids organize the speech centers of the brain, I'd be on that like white on rice, but it's good to know that, should our boy ever develop behavioral issues, there is another possible route to take.

oh yeah, I think *most* parents would be inclined to try non-pharma options first - I'm just saying make sure the docs you work with are on the same page or at least understand where you stand with regard to meds and other therapies.

My oldest took meds for years - kind of helped him keep it together while he learned coping skills, etc. He's in middle school now and no longer takes meds - at this point counseling and behavioral therapy is enough. For him dropping OT was a huge improvement. Part of his disability is physical awkwardness and no amount of OT is/was going to change that so it just proved to be ridiculously frustrating for him which would lead to meltdowns.

My daughter will probably be on meds most of her life (she's bipolar) but that doesn't mean she won't benefit from other things as well - we as parents know that, but we need to make sure we associate with professionals that also hold that view. I would much rather see her on a maintenance dose of lithium and in a setting that actively teaches her social/coping skills then to have her "stoned" and going without those other types of treatments

Jess,

Our psychiatrist told us that in children depression can manifest itself in aggression...hence the use of an antidepressant to treat what appeared to be all out rage. I was in the same position as you...really wanted the behavioral therapies to be the magic bullet but it just wasn't enough.

Talk to you pedatrician for a referall to a diagnostic neuropsychologist. That person can administer a battery of tests for a wide variety of issues and then make recommendations and refer you to a psychiatrist. It won't be quick or cheap, but then it shouldn't be if you want it done well.

Don't be afraid to listen to your gut and don't be worried if your professionals disagree. Our neuropsych really thought that OCD was in play for my son, but all of the interviews and the drug trials indicated that it was not. She was a good doctor and able to stand down from that position when it became clear that no on esle concurred.

Don't be afraid to repeat tests (I can't count the number of times that I've filled out the Connor's) A good diagnosis is based on a thorough exam. For me meds aren't the enemy, badly prescribed meds are, and I was *very * afraid of badly prescribed meds. I still approach every conversation about meds with a lot of stress but my son's therapy team is very patient and has no problem directing me to resources, research, answering questions, giving me time to absorb. That is the kind of relationship that has made the whole process easier.

And having my son make it through weeks and weeks of class, improved peer relationships, improved schoolwork...well...we always hear about the negative experiences so I wanted to share my very good one.

Well....I'm more for the drug free type of lifestyle. I appreciate the safe herbs we have on this earth that can contribute to settling down a child or even just the simple outdoors for long periods of time.