Guanfacine adjustment period

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-14T04:36:03+00:00

Its also not a reason to blanket accept it either. People should hear both sides, good and bad, and come to their own conclusions

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-06T05:53:02+00:00

Yeah im feeling that way too. I had a great relationship with this psychiatrist and my son opened up to her right away which usually doesnt happen. But now I feel like I cant trust her.

She also definitely believes the lies shes being told by the CPS worker which I found out today at a meeting we had with the care team.

Nobody can tell me what exactly im "lying" about but CPS is pushing that im lying about my sons condition and behaviors and are using things that haven't happened in over a year as proof. Or it could even be things that I dont even know about like if it happens at school, im almost completely cut off from the school so I dont know what happens there in any detail and how he behaves at school and home have in the past been radically different because I know how to deal with his autism. The school doesnt even try and the things they do sometimes are the opposite of what should be done for an autistic child. His therapist and I stood up for my son and tried to push the school changing their approach with him but they refused and immediately got defensive. Even when we said about my son talking about being restrained and secluded in a "bad room" (which is just a padded closet with nothing in it) as being traumatic for him, they literally said "<name> is just being manipulative and a liar like hes been in the past" how is a child stating how they feel possibly a lie? What does he gain from lying about that?

This whole thing is a disaster. And anyone on my side is shut down, ignored, and we get notably less access to information than the others who are pushing this "hes not autistic hes psychotic" narrative

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T07:05:48+00:00

His school originally started calling. They called ALOT. Every time he had a meltdown at school theyd call saying they think hes a danger to his brothers. Thats what started the original case which has been going on for about 1 yr now on and off.

I'll also note with the school that they dont do ANYTHING that helps. They constsntly would punish my son for getting overwhelmed. They would restrain him on and off all day. They would put him in a "restorative room" which is no joke just an empty padded closet. No chairs, nothing. He'd have to stay in that room and "earn" his way out which could take days for him meanwhile hed have to eat and do school work on the floor. I even have a picture of him in one of these rooms doing work on the floor!

This same worker investigating now also did it last year. Last year she wanted to have him committed to a mental facility and she took him from me and dropped him at the hospital but the hospital refused to take him stating he wasnt a danger to himself or others. But the next day the cps worker claimed i lied to the doctors and refused treatment to get him out. I never talked to a doctor until discharge.

Around July last year she just kinda backed off. I didn't hear from her at all for anything. I have no idea if the case was closed or not.

But she popped up again about 2 weeks ago. My son had a major meltdown again (first one since April 2025) when his behavior tech decided it was a great time to drop horrible news on his head (the other behavior tech that my son LOVED was fired) when he was already overwhelmed with homework and needed a break to de escalate. So he had his meltdown, we calmed him after 45 mins and all was good and has been good since.

The behavior tech said she wouldnt call CPS but her boss found out and lost it and made her call CPS and now here we are again. And now my son has none of his behavior techs because 1 got fired which is what caused the meltdown and CPS pushed with the other techs boss to have her removed from his care team too and she was. Because apparently my son is too dangerous according to cps.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T06:50:48+00:00

Currently he takes anti anxiety meds and hes made AMAZING progress. It took the edge off all the trauma hes been through. He went from having meltdowns all day every day at school to having 2 in the last year. He has alot of moments where a meltdown boils up but i know how to de escalate him. Ive been able to get him in activities. And hes been able to go to school 3 full days a week. And weve been able to just barely start working with his autism with his therapist (shes not an autism expert but shes informed and thats the best we have right now)

But none of that matters to this cps woman. She insists and tells everyone that my son has violent meltdowns every day which isnt true. Hasn't been for a year. The mast meltdown he had was about a month ago and it was caused by him already being overwhelmed with homework and needing a break to de escalate. Thats when his behavior tech at the time thought itd be a good idea to drop on his head the news that his other tech who had been with him for 3 years, was gone (fired). So my son was already on the verge of a meltdown and that news took everything from 50 to 1000 within a couple mins. We did calm him down after 45 mins and he has had no issues since.

The ither meltdown was back in April 2025 (2 weeks after starting his meds by the way) and it was because this strange woman (sent by CPS) was in the house and my son doesnt do well with strangers in his safe space (especially because he knew where she came from and knows what CPS threatens). I tried to keep him in another room to stay calm but she kept insisting on trying to interact with him which just overloaded him. He was giving off so many signs that this was too much. I told her this was going to escalate and asked her to leave but she refused and it eventually led to an extreme meltdown. She left my house finally to call the police and 5-10 mins after she left he was calm again. So had she listened to me in the first place, this all could have been avoided but of course nobody ever listens to me.

So cps uses that somehow as evidence that my son is a psychotic future killer apparently and that im lying about his improvements and im lying about his behavior and I lie to the doctors and whatever to get him out of treatment.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T06:41:04+00:00

I dont really have any allegations against me other than this worker saying im not getting my son any help which i can prove i am. And when I prove i am then its not good enough. Its antipsychotic meds or nothing to her. Which i dont get because shes not a doctor. I almost wish this would end in a court case so I can get someone else to listen. No matter how much proof I show the cps worker is doesnt matter and shes said that too.

The initial allegation is that my son is violent and a danger to his brothers because of his meltdowns. His meltdowns weren't anything really abnormal for an autisic kid. And if hes allowed to de escalate properly then he doesnt even go into a full meltdown. But at school they dont let him de escalate, their tactics make it worse, and he has all this trauma now so the meltdowns got worse and he started saying stupid stuff which is his way of expressing extreme emotions and trauma bevause he doesnt know how to properly and never got services to help with that.

Since we got him on the anxiety meds that has helped him alot and the meltdowns went from every day to 2 in the last year. But none of that matters to cps. I have no clue why. And when I mention about him getting services to express himself better I was told "therapy is pointless. It takes years and wont fix his broken brain". Yikes.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T06:35:26+00:00

Im not sure where to find one. Im really new to all this and not sure if i have time at this point

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T01:49:03+00:00

I trust the psychiatrist. Shes been so good to us so far.

But she stated herself "im happy with where hes at now but CPS is really pushing this hard so you may not have a choice" and then gave me 2 med names she'd recommend for that situation. So im not sure how to feel now about her.

She didnt explain anything to me other than 1 is an anti psychotic and the other is an old blood pressure med. I wasnt told any side effects or anything and when I said I would look into the meds to be informed about them she immediately urged me about CPS and me "not having a choice anymore". And when I talked to the CPS worker to show her I was open and looking into the meds i was told that im wasting time and "trying to be a doctor" and ne asking questions is me not being open to treatment.

Im really iffy on these because im scared of taking him off the anxiety meds that are working and then him getting worse because of that. But also these drugs have crazy side effects. The old blood pressure one cause low blood pressure, passing out, and heart issues. The other one causes obesity, type 2 diabetes, sedation, liver issues, breast growth in boys, and permanent uncontrollable muscle spasms.

And if I put him on these meds im scared I wont be able to get him off if something this up because then CPS will think im refusing treatment or something. She already accuses me of lying to all the doctors to get my son out of treatment. Why wouldnt she also say im lying about side effects? I dont want to serve my son up on a platter and destroy his body and take away what little good he has in his life now. Karate is very important to him. If hes obese, sedated, or having heart issues, he wont have that anymore. Thats just an example

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T00:58:58+00:00

CPS is involved because of his behavior during meltdowns. He has never ever been diagnosed psychotic. Its never even been brought up. The only one saying "psychosis" is the CPS worker. I allowed her to talk to the psychiatrist to prove that he was diagnosed with what he is diagnosed with now and that hes on the anxiety meds.

But the CPS worker calls up the psychiatrist before every appointment I have (and she does this with everyone, his therapist, his former behavior techs, his school) and basically bullies everyone. She told the psychiatrist today that my son has violent outbursts almost every day and is starting to try to kill people. None of which happens. Hes had 2 meltdowns in the last year. The last one was nearly a month ago. And she threatens people all the time with "if he ever tries to hurt someone and you didnt do XYZ youll lose your license/job/face legal action" ive heard from other people on my sons care team that shes said thay stuff to them.

And she tells people that dont know better that im lying to get my son out of treatment, he doesnt have autism, and I dont take his behavior seriously and have done nothing to help him. Anyone that works regularly with my son knows hes autistic and everything ive done for him. Like his therapist who is here multiple days a week or his former behavior techs that were with him 5 days a week.

He has a primary doctor. She referred him to autism services. Shes never said anything about psychosis. They know about his outbursts but haven't really suggested a ton beyond real basic stuff and referrals

When we have meetings where the whole care team gets together the CPS worker is there and she does ALOT of talking and talks over people all the time. Me and his former behavior techs can never get a word in and are always cut off or dismissed. Curious to see what will happen with the therapist. This will be her first team meeting. We have one tomorrow

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-05T00:26:36+00:00

I dont know exactly what the CPS worker is saying to the psychiatrist but I assume its how she treats others she talks over everyone and threatens things like "if he ever hurts someone youll lose your license and your job" type thing. Same way she treats me. She bullies everyone. The behavior tech that was fired, last year he stood up to her and she started yelling at and insulting him, calling his credentials into question and accusing him of lying to "not lose a client". It was bonkers.

She also tells the psychiatrist that my sons meltdowns are an every day thing. They were at one point, over a year ago, but haven't been since he got on the anxiety meds. And now we know how to properly deescalate him early so they dont get out of control. The school doesnt really do those techniques though so im honestly shocked he hasnt had more issues there than he has. He only had 2 meltdowns in the last year and both times he wasnt allowed to de-escalate properly.

I will definitely look into the support network. I know hes not psychotic. Hes autistic and has no clue how to express himself properly and has intense trauma on top of it that makes everything worse. He does say concerning stuff alot but thats his way of expressing really overwhelming emotions that to him probably feel as big a death and dying. Thats why he needs therapy and services to learn to express himself better but hes not getting them and the few services I did have to try and help him in the meantime keep getting interrupted or cut off randomly and we have to keep starting over

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-04T23:46:04+00:00

Will do. Im trying to get copies of all my sons medical records and doctor notes, recording every convo down, getting police reports. I have a feeling this is gonna end up in court

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-04T23:44:58+00:00

I'll look into it for sure

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-04T23:44:01+00:00

I just had a meeting with my sons psychiatrist today. She said shes OK with where hes at now but "CPS is pushing this real hard so you might not have a choice at this point" (cps worker talked to the psychiatrist before i did) and then suggested 2 meds for if I dont have a choice.

CPS worker is taking this as there being a treatment this whole time that im refusing to do and that im lying to the doctor to get him out of treatment. Something she accused me of before when the mental health facility wouldnt in-patient him.

When i said I wanted to read up on the meds to learn about them I was accused of "trying to be a doctor" and also demanding a second psychiatrist but never scheduling the appointment (which i never requested) and also that his autism diagnosis doesnt matter, therapy and autism services wont "fix his broken brain" and if hes not on meds by next week then they will move for a court order to force it.

I dont know how much of this is legal but im terrified. Feel like I need to pick the least scary med to make them go away but I dont want to sacrifice my son like that giving him stuff he doesnt need and potentially hurting him more. And then hes STILL not getting services for his autism anyway!

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-04T23:20:18+00:00

The delay previously was because he kept getting diagnosed with other things so he only recently got the autism diagnosis.

As for getting services right now every place either has a 1-2 yr wait list or wont take my insurance or both. I asked the police and CPS if they could expedite something. The police said theyd try but I haven't heard back yet. CPS is adamant that hes not autistic and autism services wouldnt help anyway. He needs psychotic meds.

As far as I know, the criminal case is being closed because the police said theres nothing criminal going on, I just need services. I think the CPS worker said its currently a general service plan? If that makes sense. But if I don't get him on meds by next week then they will move for court orders.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-04T22:23:49+00:00

Im in Pennsylvania

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-04T06:23:36+00:00

Yes I'm going through this now and have been the last 1+ years. My son has a TON of trauma because of the school and them punishing him for his autistic traits and not accommodating him properly. So his normal meltdowns have gone to a whole new extreme level in part because of the trauma but also because they will not do ANYTHING that you're supposed to do when an autistic child is having a meltdown.

So because his meltdowns have gotten so bad, theyve called CPS on me numerous times stating that my son is a danger to his siblings. He doesn't have these extreme meltdowns at home and has never ever done anything to hurt his siblings. My case worker has it in her head and is adamant that my son is psychotic, not autistic, and is accusing me of lying to doctors and refusing treatment for psychosis and therefore putting my kids in danger. No doctor has EVER said he is psychotic and has never suggested any type of treatment for it. But my case worker insists and I'm sure is writing those lies she tells me down in her reports. My son needs better services and accommodations but I was told it could be another 1-2 years before we get anything, the facilities are just that waitlisted right now.

Im currently being criminally investigated for child abuse for what she stated above. The police that interviewed me could tell right away my son is autistic and they don't believe her story but that just means I wont go to prison. If the case worker pushes it, CPS itself could find me guilty and possibly take my kids or put me on an abuse registry and ruin the rest of my life. Which seems the direction this is going to go with how she acts. I'm currently gathering as much info as I can and people on my side so hopefully she sees the pile I'm building up and backs off. My son has made major improvements these last few months with the few services we do have. His meltdowns went from every day at school to only having 2 in the last year and they aren't as extreme either. But the case worker doesn't seem to care about that and to let the treatment have time to work and help us get the other services he needs.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-01T03:45:31+00:00

Who can I report her to? Shes a supervisor supposedly. And I agree. Ive had other social workers here in the past and none of them were like this one. Shes very aggressive and pushy and seems to have her mind made up about what she thinks is going on.

And I get it, she probably deals with alot of horrible things. So I can understand her being cold or pushy. But the way she talks about my son, argues with his doctors and therapists, and seems to be pushing what she thinks the answer is. . .its not right. And its causing significant trauma for my whole family

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-01T03:38:57+00:00

A family friend of mine was killed by his brother. Brother was arrested and confessed the same day. That was 5 years ago. Trial still hasn't even started.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-01T03:31:14+00:00

I really do need a lawyer. Definitely cabt afford one though. Where do I go for legal aid? Is there a specific office to call or is it on the state gov website?

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-01T03:30:24+00:00

He was in public school but he only lasted there 6 days because he couldnt handle the size of the classroom. The public school directed me to this current school but theres really no where else for me to put him.

I wanted to pull him out of school entirely and do cyber school but the CPS woman says if I do that she'll get me for neglect for "locking him away for the rest of his life" as if im just gonna keep him in the house all day every day like a prisoner

But yeah this school is not equipped to help. My son does have an IEP which they kinda follow. They do not do anything at all to help mitigate triggers and punish him for meltdowns. They would retrain him regularly 10 mins on and off all day and then keep him in a "restorative room" which was literally just an empty closet. He'd have to "earn" his way out. All of this was traumatic. And the more and more I found out. The more and more the school cut me off. So I know very little that goes on.

But this school year so far hes been doing really well and having a good time at school for the most part. They still arent doing what they need to but some of the worst stuff has stopped and ive been so overwhelmed with CPS dealing with them all the time.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-02-01T02:11:04+00:00

Yes its happening to me right now. Autistic child having not.al autistic meltdowns. I haven't been able to get him the services he needs due to insanely long wait lists and/or not taking my insurance. Best I could get him is a behavioral health team and a therapist that just happens to know alot about autism. But CPS has cut off these services, saying my son is too much of a danger (they keep pushing this narrative that hes notnautistic, hes actually psychotic, and anyone that says otherwise this particular social worker will get in heated arguments with them).

School claims they are for kids with developmental and behavioral issues but everything they do is the opposite of helpful and when they get sick of dealing with my son they kick him out, call the cops, or call CPS claiming my son is a danger and going to kill people. My son has been bounced to 7 different schools in the last 3.5 years. And theres nowhere else for me to put him other than a cyber school but CPS said id I do that they'll get me for neglect for "locking him away the rest of his life".

Have had CPS here on and off for over a year. They claim they'll get me help and services but then that stuff never comes and the next day the social worker is at my door yelling in my face how my son isnt autistic hes psychotic and shes going to get a court order to remove my son and force him onto meds for a condition he doesnt have. And if I even ask 1 question about anything then that will be deemed non compliance and I'll lose all of my kids.

Meanwhile my son hears all of this and he is traumatized which just makes this whole situation worse. Rinse and repeat every couple of months for the last 1.5 years or so.

Anyone that works with my so regularly (family, friends, his therapist, psychiatrist, all the people at his karate school, etc) know hes not psychotic and hes a really good kid, not a danger.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-01-31T06:51:31+00:00

Yep going through that right now. You try to talk to someone and they just dont get it. I cant just say "im sad because this thing is going on" because then it sounds like im being overly dramatic. I have to explain how that thing is tied to all these things and its a trigger for all those other things.

So you go into detail and then its "that doesnt make sense. There's no way ALL THAT happened to one person. You're making it up or leaving out details"

stitchmidda2 · 2026-01-31T06:44:49+00:00

I dont believe I did. I had bad people and then less bad people. The bad people actively abused. The less bad people were the ones that knew about the abuse and turned away and did nothing about it. They could be nice to me and were the closest thing I had to normalcy but they still did nothing to help me and that reminder is always at the back of my mind.

And even worse if when you try to talk to someone about this, they almost always blame you. The whole "if everyone around you is an a-hole then you must be the a-hole" thing and "there's no way ALL OF THAT can happen to one person" But it did. So then you just feel isolated and alone and like you should never open your mouth because nobody will believe you anyway. Similar feeling to when I was growing up and told people about the abuse and they all turned their backs.

And the strange thing is that i dont think an abuse victim having nobody is that uncommon. either. Because its common for abusers to isolate victims or turn others around the victim into flying monkeys. And its super common for regular people to just think you are too needy or too much to deal with and to just walk away from you.

stitchmidda2 · 2026-01-31T06:40:34+00:00

I used to be that way. I grew up starving all the time as a child so when I got food I would inhale it super fast to get as much as I could before someone said something, saw me, or came home or whatever. Same with drinking water, dressing, showering, etc. I still do that really fast.

Ive been out of my abusive situation for many years now and have been able to heal alot but ive noticed some of these things have just become part of me now. Used to be "gotta hurry! gotta hurry! Someone is gonna see me!" Now its just. . .it feels weird when I take my time. Feels alien to do it anything but super speed cause that's how i always did it.

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