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Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Autism (ASD) | Last Active: Jun 19 1:34pm | Replies (1156)

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@lisalucier

@mamacita - that is an interesting question you posed for those on the autism spectrum in this discussion, whether your (or your loved one on the spectrum's) meltdowns/burnouts have gotten better or worse as you (or they) have gotten older, and why or why not?

Thought that @stephanieann @lizaa might be interested in this conversation, as well. Have you seen meltdowns and burnouts in your sons, and if so, have they changed over time?

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Replies to "@mamacita - that is an interesting question you posed for those on the autism spectrum in..."

We dealt with meltdowns throughout the years, but it was at it's most difficult when my son reached preteen years. About 8-11 yrs of age. He sees a pediatric specialist who deals with autism medication management, and felt that Prozac (fluoxetine) would be the best medication to work for him. And it did. We started and have stayed on the lowest dose, 10mg. There has been a dramatic change in his meltdowns, with absolutely no change in his personality, which is what we were hoping for. He's always a happy kid, so we didn't want to see it affect that part of him. He is now 14 yrs old, and has been going through puberty for the last 2 yrs. It has gone much smoother than we had anticipated, since this is usually a bumpy time for any kid, much less one on the spectrum. I am a big follower of Temple Grandin, and she has also said that her experience and others have benefitted most from low dose Prozac. But, everyone is different, and some may respond better to other medications or behavioral therapies.