MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

ABSTRACT: This patient guide is made up of two components: part one is a 2-4 page expert summary of the medications and other therapy options available for children with autism, while part two consists of 4-5 handouts for parents, like you, of children with autism. The expert summary, intended for other medical professionals in our developmental pediatrics practice, highlights the three main categories of medications for children with autism: stimulants, atypical antipsychotics, and serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. It also highlights the alternative therapy options, such as behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, etc. The information in this section is backed up by valuable research from the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Pediatrics, Autism Speaks, and more. For part two, the handout topics include: “Stimulants,” “Atypical Antipsychotics,” “Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors,” “Is Medication Best for My Child?” and “Other Therapy Options.” Each handout presents the pros and cons of giving this type of medication to a child with autism. Each handout also discusses which specific behaviors the medication targets, as well as side effects and cautions associated with it. You can also find testimonials from other parents who have experience with the medicine. These documents are here to provide you with clearly laid out information to help you and your doctor decide what is the best choice for your child.

WC = 214

READER’S PROFILE: I imagine a reader who is deeply resistant to giving potent medications to such young children.

READER’S RESPONSE: Hmm, well I strongly believe that medications such as these are incredibly dangerous to young children! Stimulants and antipsychotics are powerful drugs, and should never, under any circumstances, be prescribed to a child. There are plenty of other alternatives to medicines, particularly looking at the patient holistically. Doctors these days are so quick to hand out prescriptions instead of taking the time to actually think through what is causing their patients’ problems. In fact, I’ve found many natural home remedies that work WAY better than any of the crap a doctor has given me! Plus, a lot of these children are just misbehaving. Their parents are weak for wanting to pop pills down their kids’ throats instead of actually trying to discipline them. I find it lazy – they’re taking the easy way out!

S -- so many people feel this way. Most parents soften a bit, because the behavior and family peace is important. Yet relatives and friends may say these things? What about a handout with some sentences that parents can use to deflect, explain, or confront so that a boundary is set?

That might be reasonable.

Good project. What are the names of your handouts? Knowing these headings will help you write.