http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AutismNews/mother-son-marijuana-treat-autism/story?id=9153881
Given the many challenges involved in raising an autistic child, parents are willing to try a variety of potential remedies, many of which are controversial and unproven.
But one potential treatment that has gained attention recently is one that was controversial well before its first mention in connection with autism.
"At first I did some research, and I found a doctor who actually had a protocol for medical marijuana in children diagnosed with autism," Mieko Hester-Perez of Fountain Valley, Calif., told "Good Morning America."
Hester-Perez made her decision to try giving her 10-year-old son, Joey Perez, medical marijuana after his weight had become dangerously low due to his unwillingness to eat. She said that at the time she began the approach, he weighed only 46 pounds.
"You could see the bones in his chest. He was going to die," she said.
"The marijuana balanced my son," said Hester-Perez, noting that she has never used marijuana herself. "My son had self-injurious behaviors. He was extremely aggressive, he would run out of our house... he was a danger to himself and others."
But just hours after she gave him one of the pot-infused brownies, she said she could see a change -- both in his appetite and demeanor.
Until those in the medical field can discover the causes of autism and provide some viable treatment options for those who severely need help, I can not blame this mother for trying anything she can to help her child. Would I do this? Probably not. But unless you have an autistic child, you really can't imagine the stress and guilt and even the desperation that can exist for the rest of the family.
Quoting LauraKW:
Until those in the medical field can discover the causes of autism and provide some viable treatment options for those who severely need help, I can not blame this mother for trying anything she can to help her child. Would I do this? Probably not. But unless you have an autistic child, you really can't imagine the stress and guilt and even the desperation that can exist for the rest of the family.
i have 2 kids with autism and i just deal with it.its not their fault they have it,and if she feels that will help that her.my kids are showing more progress than ever and i am proud.
Quoting LauraKW:
Until those in the medical field can discover the causes of autism and provide some viable treatment options for those who severely need help, I can not blame this mother for trying anything she can to help her child. Would I do this? Probably not. But unless you have an autistic child, you really can't imagine the stress and guilt and even the desperation that can exist for the rest of the family.
This is very true. My friends have autistic children and it is very hard. Their son runs into walls, hits people including himself. He is sooo angry all the time.
My husband smokes marijuana. After he does it, I notice a difference in his attitude and appetite. He is usually calmer, doesnt seem like he is in pain after he does it. Also, he eats better.
I suspect pot is far safer a treatment than most of the things doctors pass out prescriptions for. If the child is helped by it, so be it.
I really don't understand how anyone thinks aderal, ritilin, resperidol, seriquil and other pschyoactive drugs would actually be a better choice for a child. Marijuana is not physically addictive, it is a neuroprotecterant, no withdrawals, no dependency, no overdose, and it may actually prolong your life. Why would you choose the drugs with the worst side effects?
Quoting momandvet:
I really don't understand how anyone thinks aderal, ritilin, resperidol, seriquil and other pschyoactive drugs would actually be a better choice for a child. Marijuana is not physically addictive, it is a neuroprotecterant, no withdrawals, no dependency, no overdose, and it may actually prolong your life. Why would you choose the drugs with the worst side effects?
If you don't have a child diagnosed with a condition treatable by those medications, you are right - you really don't understand.
And what makes you think I have no connection?
To clarify, I think marijuana is the safest drug on this planet. I think it should be a first choice not a last. This goes for every ailment it treats from pyschological disorders to migraine headaches.
Quoting LauraKW:
Quoting momandvet:
I really don't understand how anyone thinks aderal, ritilin, resperidol, seriquil and other pschyoactive drugs would actually be a better choice for a child. Marijuana is not physically addictive, it is a neuroprotecterant, no withdrawals, no dependency, no overdose, and it may actually prolong your life. Why would you choose the drugs with the worst side effects?
If you don't have a child diagnosed with a condition treatable by those medications, you are right - you really don't understand.
Eight Year Old Girl Given "Catastrophe Award" By Teacher
- sweetie00
on Nov. 27, 2009 at 5:11 PM