I use valium (low doses) to reduce the amount of distress i suffer from when i have sensory overload meltdowns or am having a few bad days.
I do not take valium for more than a day or two in a row.
The Valium definitely helps reduce the amount of distress i suffer from during and after a meltdown.
Even slowing me down when i am agitated is useful, as if i am slowed down, i am less intense.
It has taken me several years to get a doctor to prescribe me valium however, even at super low doses.
This is because it is a major taboo subject for doctors in the UK, so most doctors will not prescribe valium on a regular basis due to the possibility that the patient may become addicted.
However, most doctors do not understand why people with ASD have sensory overload meltdowns,
and do not understand that the meltdowns are incurable, unavoidable neurological reactions (which look like tantrums but which are not).
I believe it is inhumane not to prescribe any anti anxiety agent for patients with ASD and who suffers from sensory overload meltdowns, not only inhumane to the person with ASD but also inhumane and not particularly sensible
for the people around the person who has ASD (especially in my case, as i have done martial arts for a number of years and have a certain amount of skill, and if someone were to attack me while i was having a meltdown, i would defend myself).
Yep, martial art expert and ASD based meltdowns not a great combination...
but valium saves the day! Yippee! long live Valium! My Saviour!
I have taken valium for the past year, when needed, and have not become addicted. Perhaps the doctors should consider judging each case on their own merit rather than judging everyone as the worst case junkie in the world.