I agree that giving a child medication is controversial but there must be a balance in the family dynamics that should allow for a somewhat healthy environment for everyone.

My son who is 14 and autistic(PDD) high functioning with developmental delays but has adhd issues, he has been on meds for that which clearly helps him stay clam, focused and have the ability to think aprropriately. But we still have the behavior issues after the meds wear off and for that he is given a smaller dose of adhd meds which cuts his craziness in half but then at night time he is just a lunatic.

So is it side effect of meds? No we tried not giving him meds and that didnt work so instead we are living in a very volatile life with him with the rest of our children. And for myself, I am bipolar, suffering for 4 yrs trying to find a med to work or not give me very bad side effects like the one I just had of life threatening pulmonary embolisms. They told me I should not have survived, but I did and I suffer myself and I/we suffer with my sons rages and frustrating behaviors.

If I could find a med to work for him I would give it to him without any regrets....