My Autistic Boy
What is Autism?
About Me
Available Interventions
Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
Some Backgrounder
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Communication Skills
EEG
Water Water
Hello Again
Snippets of Joy
Tantrums
Thanks
Lesson Learned

Available Interventions

When I read about the various options, interventions, tests and the support and help offered to them from the government in the United States to special children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, I feel sad and envious. Here in the Philippines, absolutely NOTHING, no help whatsoever is extended to special children. Arvin, my autistic son, is already 18 years old. He was diagnosed as a low-functioning, with moderately severe autism. He is also non-verbal. Head-banging was a problem when he was about 4 to 6 years old. As he grew older other forms of self-injurious behaviors began to appear, such as slapping (really, really hard) the sides of his face, his arms, and his thighs; and scratching himself. He also became violent towards me, his father and some other people.

Throughout all these problems, we struggled to find help, which at that time was very limited. Inadequate, too, were our finances. For the last few years we have been implementing behavioral modification interventions which have proven quite effective. Arvin sees an occupational therapist for this. His developmental pediatrician has on several occasions recommended that he take Risperdal to calm his aggressive behavior. She said that this drug has proven quite effective in some of her patients but admitted that in some other cases, it had no effect at all. Risperdal is such an expensive drug in our country. It is an option that we really couldn’t afford. Besides, behavioral modification is doing wonders for Arvin. Has it been a year already or only about eight months since he last attacked me? Not only that, but he is a happier boy now, always smiling. Unlike before, when his face was always tight with anger.

8 Responses to “Available Interventions”

1. kchew Says:

Thank you for sharing about Arvin—where are you in the Philippines? My son takes Risperdal and it has definitely helped, though it’s not so expensive to get it here in the US I suppose. But ABA–applied behavior analysis–has been our main tool; Charlie attends a school that uses it in all of its teaching and also does ABA at home. His head-banging was the worse when he was 6-8 (he is 8 1/2 now).

I’m looking forward to reading more about Arvin and thank you again.

2. Tina (K.C.'s Mommy) Says:

Hello there in the Philippines:)

Thanks for sharing your story about Arvin. My son K.C. takes Risperdal as well and it has helped so much, he has gained quite a bit of weight and I think the Risperdal makes him very hungry:)

My little boy is non-verbal as well and we are trying very hard to get him to communicate via P.E.C.S.

I have found that having a blog like this is really helping me and my son because I can ask other mom’s questions about how they would handle certain behaviors/situations and the fellow Autism Bloggers are always there to help. I am very happy that you are here sharing your story about Arvin, he sure is a beautiful boy:)

So nice to meet you and Arvin!

3. Lora Says:

As KC’s mom said, the bloggers are a big help and I am glad that you have started a blog because you will find great help and support here in the blogshpere. I have enjoyed reading about Arvin and hope to read more in the future, I will visit regularly to see what is going on with him and your family. Thanks for sharing your special story, I am glad to meet you both. My blog is at : http://griffinblaise.blogspot.com if you care to come by and meet my son Griffin and myself. Take care and have a great day.

4. Yolanda Says:

Hi KChew. We live in Quezon City, Metro Manila. How I wish we could also try Risperdal, but it’s really beyond what we can afford. Arvin has stopped going to school when he was 11. The school was no good and he became so violent I had to pull him out. It’s just so sad that I couldn’t find a better school that we can afford. He only has occupational therapy sessions, one hour once a week.

Thank you so much for your response.

5. Yolanda Says:

Hi Tina, I’m Yoly. I’m also very happy to hear from you, Kchew, and Lora. I don’t know what P.E.C.S. means. Is that like communication board using pictures?

So nice to meet you. K.C. is so cute, too.

6. Yolanda Says:

Hi Lora, I went to see your blog (is that the right term? I have to admit I’m computer illiterate. My 17 year old younger daughter is just starting to teach me how to use it.) and read your latest entry. How I wish there was a magic pill too. I assure you, you’re not being selfish. I also read your intro, and you’re right, a sense of humor is very important. I’ts what helped me cope all these years. Time permitting, i’d like to read more about Griffin’s and your story.

Arvin’s demand on my time can be suffocating but I’ll find the time.

Thank you. Hope your depression goes away soon.

7. Octoberbabies Says:

Hi Yolanda!
I have a three year old Autistic daughter. Her name is India and we adore her. India has an older (non-autistic) brother whose name is Isaac. Myself and the ladies who wrote to you previously have created a wonderful support network over the internet. We all have blogs where we keep up to date on what’s going on with us and our kids and its been so wonderful for us to be able to share with each other. I look forward to reading more about Arvin.

Salome

8. cora Says:

i have 3 and half year old son he was diagnosed autism last feb. I’m still hoping he can have a normal life like other children. We’re in England with just 3 of us here and all families in the Philippines. I’m attending early bird program here for autism Due to increase care and support for him i gave up my full time job and did part time only. I’m curious about resperdal, can you buy it over the counter or need prescription? is there no side effects?