Esquire: The Drugging of American Boys

[Paynendearse]

I had a kid diagnosed by an immature kindergarten teacher in her first year...well, recommended to a clinic by this immature kindergarten teacher.

I never was in favor of it. I wanted to emphasize structure.

Over the years I saw a struggle until he had his pill. We got additional experts to confirm this diagnosis and he continues today on that med.

It's made a difference.

But I fear what happens later, or if he should get off of it, or outgrow it. I've heard direct stories from parents/kids who fell into other drug addition when weaned off this stuff.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

I don't have a TV, and my kids' screen time is extremely limited (maybe 10-15 minutes 3 times a week) & my oldest was diagnosed with ADHD. So far we have resisted suggestions to medicate because he's come a long way with better teachers this year. I've been more reluctant than my wife to medicate.

 

[RickStain]

I guess that depends on your definition of "illness." Is a learning disability an illness? Dyslexia? Language and auditory processing? They're all neurological issues, same family. Are they illnesses?

I would think so, but I'm not a doctor.

 

[X-Hack]

Oh man, does this resonate.

When my son was in first grade, we had one of the normal, regularly-scheduled parent-teacher conferences, when the teacher goes over his grades and progress, which was all at the top of the spectrum - best grades and and reading several years ahead of grade level, above 90 percent in all subjects of the standardized tests - then she says, "He has a knack for being loud at times and can be tough to get back on track, especially when coming in from recess, lunch or P.E. From what I've seen, little BWIP has exhibited some symptoms of ADHD. I would recommend he be tested."

My wife and I look at her kind of dumbfounded, and she says, "You know, ritalin has something of a negative stigma, but it can work wonders with children like your son."

We finished the conference, and happened to have a regular doctor's appointment set for a couple of weeks afterward, where we mentioned that to the doctor. He was as shocked as we were, and said we could have him tested, but he doesn't see anything that would lead him to a diagnosis of even minor ADHD.

In talking to some other parents in that class, the teacher used the same spiel on at least 4 other parents of boys in her class at that time. Obviously it was an attempt to make her life easier and not have to deal with normal 6-year-old boys. We all contacted the principal and superintendent, with cc's to every member of the school board, about our concerns. She was not offered a contract the next school year.

Uh -- she doesn't exactly have the power to diagnose, prescribe or administer. So don't don't you think getting her fired is a bit of an overreaction? Unless there are other reasons she wasn't offered a contract.

 

[93Devil]

If ADHD isn't a mental illness, what is it?

It's the way your mind is wired. Some children need sped up, some need slowed down.

And the worst expression ever is "boys will be boys."

If you take 100 boys, 60-70 will be fine students. It's the other 30-40 whose parents "allow them to be boys" is the biggest problem. It's an excuse.

Sure, ADD and ADHD can be a problem, but that is a very small percentage of all boys.