this post was submitted on 14 Feb 2024
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I can't really say anything about the autism, I myself am on strattera for ADHD.
For those meds I can say they have the side effect of making me drowsy/buzzy sometimes. A few hours after taking them. Maybe she has something like that and doesn't associate it enough to talk about it, but somewhere still feels like she needs to refuse meds because something is going on?
From a parental view, my daughter had it recently that she suddenly changed her behaviour because of random words from peers in kindergarten. Managed to explain it to her on my end, but it was still tough with a non-autistic but strong headed girl. I don't know your daughter's circumstances, etc, but such a sudden change can also come from external sources you aren't privy to. Maybe she opened up to a kid that then had a strong anti-med stance from its own upbringing? Maybe she was told somewhere that her parents are trying to make her be someone she isn't - even if it's not true. Maybe she's doing it to fit in with that kid/group? Just possibilities.
I'm not saying it has to be something like that, it could also be something completely random. It's just another two items on the list of things to possibly ask about.
I do believe that the autism part of her is whats causing the most issues, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance, meds being the demand in this case) specifically. But like you say she is subject to outside circumstances all the time and specifically (I should probably have mentioned this one) a change of school at the same time she stopped taking her meds. Her previous school was garbage, the new one is miles better but we still struggle with attendance because of previous experience. We have really tried connecting the school and meds situations but not come up with anything that has helped either
Is it possible that she's rebelling because she - in her mind - got ripped away from friends? Maybe she's also overwhelmed?
I would say you definitely have the trigger point in mind then. Who knows what else is going on in the new school that you as a parent don't get to know easily?
I can only think how I'd go over it with my daughter, so this might not work for you. I would leave the matter of the meds to the side for any discussion for a little bit. Figure out the rest of her circumstances first, then reintroduce the meds once she feels understood again. This can also be very soon. Just don't make the talks about the meds for now. Again, I don't have experience with PDA but if you push too much too often it can be counterproductive even before factoring that in.
You will most likely have to get a new prescription for the strattera as well, as going from zero back to full will be problematic. It needs ramping up time with the dosage. Otherwise there will be side effects that might lead to setbacks. That's personal experience.
I think youre right, we have talked about it and she says she misses some of the friends from her old school. We try our best to maintain her connection with the old crew, its not very hard as they mostly live in our neighborhood, but she also avoids them to some extent because she feels guilt towards them having to stay in a school thats as bad as it is. She was involved in the decision to change school, it was a very hard one to make. But despite the problems it comes with we have no regrets because of the complete lack of interest/knowledge in the old school. We actually have a lot of insight in the new school as well, they are extremely communicative and helpful, so that helps a lot at least.
We have also already taken that step to stop demanding her to take the meds or even mention them (mostly, we can do better), very recently though. And we have a meeting with her doctor next week to discuss how we proceed
You got this! Best wishes to you and your family.