ASD, ADHD and “Ragestorms”

[Anonymous]

NP here. I can relate to this 100%. We noticed these extreme tantrums starting around age 7 and they got progressively worse until things got so bad at age 10 we ended up in the ER/psych ward at Children’s bc DD starting raging and hulking out to the point he was breaking things including a glass window. Triggers were anxiety, hunger, taking away screen time and videogames (Minecraft and Roblox). We started him on a low dose of Abilify which helped a lot to take the edge off. Therapy. And now at 13 he was also diagnosed with ADHD so we have started concerta.

He still has rages when I take his phone away or computer away. But they aren’t as violent. I do get cussed at a lot with F word and he will throw things like clothes. But he isn’t breaking anything.

[Anonymous]

PP again - my advice is to intervene early and get treatment and therapy asap. Abilify at a low dose was also a game changer for my son. And having healthy protein packed snacks available like those Oscar meyer turkey/cheese/almond packs. But as they get older and stronger it gets harder. My kid has inadvertently caused injury. Got so raged up he threw a chair not realizing the dog was underneath it. He didn’t mean to hurt the dog and wasn’t intending to, but it was a casualty of the lack of impulse control.

[Anonymous]

PP again - like your DS, my Child was a perfect angel at school and at friends houses. Described as "sweet," "well liked among peers," "popular" "bright." The horrible rages were at home and i also wonder if he might be bipolar bc he failed trials of SSRIs which made him more agitated and activated. All the doctors said they wont diagnose bipolar in kids or young teens. he was diagnosed with anxiety, dysregulation disorder and ADHD.