August already? Summers just fly by in Wisconsin. We have kept busy all summer, and have lots of memories recorded on film to prove it! Noah has enjoyed playing on the baseball team, has gone to cub scout camp, has traveled Wisconsin on a few family camp trips, and has celebrated his 11th birthday in July.
We "gave in" and finally agreed to increase the Risperidone medication in June. After many trials of numerous other medications, I discovered yet again, that the Risperidone is the ONLY medication that decreases the self-abusive behavior. I hesitated to increase it due to the side effect related to weight gain, which is exactly what is happening now. The pediatrician is not concerned about the weight gain because Noah is growing in height as well. I, on the other hand, am very concerned about the weight. Noah now weighs more than I do, and is only a few inches shorter than me. His tummy has bloated out due to the medication. I have increased his fiber and protein intake, hoping that he will feel full for longer periods of time. I hope this will work, especially when he starts back to school in September.
I have noticed Noah has also been demonstrating more anxiety about "unknown" future events over the last year. This year, he really perseverated on the toys he listed on his birthday list. He needed to know that the toys would be his, and he needed to know WHO was giving him WHICH toy and WHEN. When relatives would call and ask what he wanted for his birthday, he requested a particular toy from each person. Then he would pair that person with that toy each time he spoke about his upcoming birthday. Tantrums occurred when he was told that his gifts were a "surprise".
Finally, I "gave up" and just stated, "Yes, I am getting you Dug the dog from Up, and you will open your gift when you get back from camp." Then he was fine. Children and adults on the autism spectrum do not like surprises. They need to know what is going to happen next. This brings comfort, and eases any anxiety they may be experiencing. Words or phrases such as "Wait", "Surprise", "Maybe", "I don't know", and "Might" are very difficult to comprehend. They are too abstract, and do not predict the exact future.
Am I "giving up", or "giving in" when I increase medication that I disagree with, or go against social rules that state that birthday gifts should be a surprise? Maybe not. In life there are times when you have to put aside what you want and choose to do what is best for the other person. I would love for Noah to be able to stay calm and stop the self-abuse without medication, and I would love for him to be able to enjoy a "surprise" once in a while. But that is not best for NOAH. He needs his medication, and he needs to know what will happen in his future. As long as his needs are being met, I will assume that my decisions are sound. I just wish it were easier.
