Celexa May Not Help Kids With Autism

My son was put on Celexa last February after his behaviors and characteristics of autism dramatically increased with the advent of puberty. He has Asperger Syndrome and is VERY high functioning, thanks to many years of therapy.

He showed small, gradual improvements until he reached a 20 mg dosage (in July). At that point, the improvement became profound. Following are only some of what we found:

- He sleeps at night, in his own room, with the lights out (not on the couch with all the lights on)

- The quality of his sleep is much better

- His ability to concentrate has improved significantly (he's doing much more work in school and he's much more receptive and reciprocal in his communication)

- Many of his sensory issues have decreased (he can wear short sleeved shirts, his body seems to regulate temperature better, he's no longer agitated by crowds and loud noises)

- His mood is MUCH more cheerful

- He is more social

- He is more independent (not so fearful to do things by himself nor does he have to be within close proximity to me anymore)

- He eats a much wider variety of foods

I would say that the changes he has experienced have been life altering and have resulted in an adolescent whose very much higher functioning. He still exhibits characteristics of autism but he is much more open to therapy and we are hopeful that, with the support of this medication, he will have a much richer and fulfilling life.

Laura of VA 11:43AM October 18, 2009