So sorry you are all going through this.

One thought is that Abilify would likely "kick in" faster than an AD. And his pdoc suggested that before an AD, so pdoc likely thinks it is a better shot, right? And no risk of mania. And if you don't like how it works fir him, you could always take him off. From an outsider's point of view, it seems less risky than an AD.

Hang in there. Sending good thoughts to you and the little guy!

EJ