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Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder And ADHD. Overweight. Cause?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Jul 2013
Question: Child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and adhd, he is severely underweight and height for his age. He only is barely on the chart at 1%. What can cause him to be so small?
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Answered by Dr. Arun (58 minutes later)
Hi
Thanks for writing to healthcare magic. I personally feel your kid is on the low normal , and not severely underweight.
He is normal but on the lowest range.
Second there are many causes for poor growth in aspergers , it could be because of less intake because of his condition.
It could be due to other factors like associated depression in him.
It could be also due to Prozac which has this notorious side effect of loss of appetite and poor growth in kidsBeing an ADHD kid I would like you to consult your kid with your child psychiatrist and review him and enquire him about continuing or modifying Prozac or its dose.
And more importantly such kids need more artsy and care with regards to their diet and nutrition. Consult your dietician to find out how to improve his current diet both in calories and protein.
Regards Dr Arun
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vasanth
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Answered by
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Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1959 Questions

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Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder And ADHD. Overweight. Cause?

Hi
Thanks for writing to healthcare magic. I personally feel your kid is on the low normal , and not severely underweight.
He is normal but on the lowest range.
Second there are many causes for poor growth in aspergers , it could be because of less intake because of his condition.
It could be due to other factors like associated depression in him.
It could be also due to Prozac which has this notorious side effect of loss of appetite and poor growth in kidsBeing an ADHD kid I would like you to consult your kid with your child psychiatrist and review him and enquire him about continuing or modifying Prozac or its dose.
And more importantly such kids need more artsy and care with regards to their diet and nutrition. Consult your dietician to find out how to improve his current diet both in calories and protein.
Regards Dr Arun