Zoloft At Five Years Old

Hi, my name is Sven Scharpen, and I'm from Colorado.

I was put on Zoloft at five years old and was on it for 16 years until just last year. The reason isn't being made very clear to me, but I think it's because of my normal little boy hyperactivity combined with being diagnosed with autism at two.

I was also placed on Risperdal for 15 years, and while it's not an SSRI, it's known for things like breast development in young boys, something I was tested for when I was 12.

My parents were most likely coerced into giving this stuff to me by the medical officials and not told of these effects. I've already experienced some of the side-effects you listed, like cognitive fog, and more. I have no idea of the full implications these drugs have had or will have on my life, but it seems almost as damaging as puberty blockers and opposite sex hormones. As for the sexual dysfunction, I cannot help but realize that if I hadn't been ************ almost every day for the last 10 years, I don't know if I would still have my sexual function today.

I have since founded the Autistic Freedom Network (autisticfreedom.com) to address this issue among many others, and strive for an America where people with autism can still experience life to its fullest extent and not be defined by their autism. Pray for us.