To Marytheres's point about supplements: My personal take is that prescription medications are regulated and their formulation supervised by the FDA. OTC supplements are far less regulated; you really don't know what's in them. I would *much* rather give my child an FDA-approved medication, that's been tested and shown to work, prescribed by an expert practitioner, than an OTC supplement that makes untested claims.
And yes, I know about all the controversies about big pharma cooking the books on studies and so forth. But I still think meds are a better bet than supplements for safety.
My DS10 has shown tremendous improvement in impulse control and focus on ADHD meds. If there is a question about a child being on the autism spectrum, not "just" ADHD, I would recommend trialing non-stimulant meds first (because stimulants increase anxiety). And I do not let our regular pediatrician prescribe for him-- we see a doctor for whom kids like my DS are her primary business, and who has a great track record.
DeeDee
Last edited by DeeDee; 10/13/12 09:20 AM. Reason: word change
