Why so many kids on meds???

[Tikicampers]

I would suggest that if anyone's teacher or school suggest that they get their child tested for ADD/ADHD to do some research, talk to your ped. and get another opinion.

First off, I want to say that I agree with you on this, and that I'm glad things worked out for your son. However, I don't want people to be under the impression that all schools and teachers are out to get kids medicated. I realize that some people have had bad experiences, but I am fortunate in that I have never worked in a place like that.
As a teacher, if I suggest that a child needs further testing, it is because I have tried various strategies, and they are not working. By the time further testing comes up, I have hit a dead end with a child, and my hope is that the school's screenings will give me better information to use in coming up with new ways to reach the child. Neither I, nor the school I work in is looking to get kids medicated or even diagnosed with anything in particular.
There are many reasons children struggle in school, ADD/ADHD is one of them. If a child continues to have problems no matter what strategies are used, then ADD/ADHD may need to be ruled out. I absolutely believe that parents should discuss it with their pediatrician. Chances are he or she has a much more complete history of the child than I do.

Like I said, overall I agree with this poster, and as a parent, it is your job to advocate for your child, but I don't want anyone to automatically be suspicious of a teacher that suggests further testing.

 

[Sazuburns]

I think you have to treat the situation like any other illness or disorder - you weigh up the pros and cons to the different treatments and choose the one which is most appropriate.

However... there probably is a degree of over prescribing, in the same way that antibiotics have been overprescribed (even for viral infections). There will always be a doctor who just want to have an easy day, or parents who are at the end of their tether and want a quick solution. It's human nature.

I work as a teaching assistant, and there is a very bright child in my class who is on medication for his adhd. Before he started the treatment, there was no way that he fulfilled his potential. He was really all over the place, but the doctor and parents tried other routes before deciding on medication (I'm in the UK so it's likely that the system is different anyway). Ultimately, it is the right thing for him.

My children have omega 3 fish oils daily, as this is also beneficial for concentration and brain development. My elder son has dyspraxia, and nobody has yet invented a miracle pill to sort this out, but if one became available I'd certainly take a good look at it before deciding whether to give it or not.

Sarah x

 

[Arvandor_Ilfirin]

I personally want to Thank You for what you have had to say. It only confirms for me the difficult decision that DH and I have had to make based on our family dynamics. This has not been easy and we feel that we have given it enough time and tried other solutions and exhausted them before we came to the choice we felt we needed to make for her. We know it can be frustrating for her to feel as though she isn't keeping up with her classmates and that only adds to her anger, which she takes out on her family. This decision was not made easily nor without much trepidation. I will still question myself once treatment starts as to whether this is the right choice, but we feel as though we have to do this for her. I hope that we are openning a door for her to an easier life or at least one in which she finally feels as though she fits into.

I'm glad I could help. I understand it can be a really trying situation for everyone, not just the family members with ADD. You and your daughter have a long road ahead, but it seems you have her best interest at heart, and I think you will come through beautifully.

There are times when we all need to learn that it's good to be different and act ourselves, but at the same time, there's a line between being unique, and suffering from not being able to fit in when it counts. Your daughter's behavior will be affected by medication if you choose to go that route, but make sure to tell your psych/doctor about how it is affecting her...especially if you don't like how she reacts. I tried Adderall, but oh my goodness....I was a wreck! I was jittery, I felt sick, it was hard to sleep...I hated it! Then I made sure at my next appointment I declared I did not like it, one bit. Next I tried Concerta, and it was wonderful! I had no apprehension, I was able to focus, and the only side effect was a small loss of appetite, which did not really affect me because my Mom always made me finish my plate!

Please don't berate yourself for your choices. It is obvious you love your girl, and you want what's best for her. You can always stop medication at any time, you can stop therapy if you feel a doctor is not tending to her needs, but if you never stop trying to make things better then you will reach a solution that works for you both someday.

 

[Debbie]

My biggest parenting regret is that I did not put my son on meds, when he was diagnosed with ADHD. His teacher at the time-a wonderful woman-told us not to do it....that she would "work with him". She did, and he did okay in her classes (Grades 4, 6 and 7). Unfortunately, he never learned the skills that he needed to learn, and he didn't learn how to cope with his ADHD. High school was a wipe out both academically and the fact that he exhibited risky behaviour. Even in college now, he struggles, and will likely not return in the fall. And I believe that the root of his difficulties is the decision that I made in Grade Four. Had he had the meds, I honestly think that his self-esteem would not be in the toilet, and he would have been the success that he wants to be, but doesn't know how to get there. (and, typically, he refuses counselling of any sort)

 

[famofsix]

Quick question because I am honestly curious and have no clue. What is the deciding factor of a child being a child (possibly immature and just generally fidgety) or a child needing medication?

My ds improved by leaps and bounds once moved to a new teacher but there are days when I feel like I am constantly telling him to do the same thing over and over and he can be spazzy,f but for the most part he is like most other six year old boys I've come into contact with. Where is the line drawn between slightly spazzy and ADD/ADHD? Our ped has always told us that our ds is just a very active boy, he has never mentioned getting him tested for ADD/ADHD.

LilGMom, this is a key point in your story...even though the school encouraged you to talk to your ped. about your child behaviors that might be the result of ADD/ADHD....doesn't mean he has ADD/ADHD. Good for you for advocating for your son.

We thought it was the school environment and immaturity in my son's case but after I homeschooled him for a year we were able to see he indeed needed an outside evaluation for why he was having difficulty. Also ADHD sometimes is misdiagnosed because other things look like ADHD like Central Processing Disorder and some behaviors on the autistic spectrum.

The deciding factor for us was that behavior modifications and limiting distractions helped my son but he still had great difficulty focusing and had other impulsive behaviors. This is compounded with a reading disability so the medication is helping him make progress that he was not able to do before. We still have to do alot to help him with problem solving and reducing impulsivity but his ability to attend is so much better. Honestly medication was the last resort for us but my child is much more successful with the medication.

One indication of ADHD and other disabilities is there is a large discrepency between the child's IQ and the child's performance levels.

 

[Order66]

Quick question because I am honestly curious and have no clue. What is the deciding factor of a child being a child (possibly immature and just generally fidgety) or a child needing medication?

My ds improved by leaps and bounds once moved to a new teacher but there are days when I feel like I am constantly telling him to do the same thing over and over and he can be spazzy,f but for the most part he is like most other six year old boys I've come into contact with. Where is the line drawn between slightly spazzy and ADD/ADHD? Our ped has always told us that our ds is just a very active boy, he has never mentioned getting him tested for ADD/ADHD.

Overall there is a broad spectrum of behaviors are sypmtoms of ADD or ADHD. Usually the child exhibits many/most but not all of them. One key is that they exhibit these behaviors in a variety of circumstances and settings. They are like this at home, at school, at church, etc... not just in one single setting. I think all young boys are active and challenging. There is a large difference between them and a child who is just active and challenging. The challenging child won't ....the ADHD child can't.

I didn't medicate my son for the first year as I too was pretty much misinformed about the types and effects of medication. Afterall, I was pretty used to his behavior and I knew how to structure him at home to manage him. Though he does drive me crazy sometimes, so does his brother. But as my doctor explained it to me, it's not about controlling him, it's about helping him control himself. My son's most extreme symptom is major impulsivity. He will do anything because it pops in his head.

ADHD kids are usually very bright, yet struggle in school because thoughts just do not process properly. They often have difficulty in developing friendships because they seem strange to other kids their age. At 6 these don't seem real significant, but it increases as they get older. We chose to start him on meds after the first year because he was being more and more lost in everyday things and I decided better to help him now before he even understands why he's different than to wait until he has issue with himself for his differences. My nephew is also ADHD, but was not diagnosed until 14, a few months after his little cousin started meds. He is also a very bright boy, but struggled in school and was always in trouble for not following directions at home. His mother took him for an eval and started the same meds my son takes and that quarter, A's and B's. While my son is too young to explain to really say how his meds make him feel, my nephew can tell you exactly how he feels when he takes or doesn't take his meds. He is much happier knowing that he isn't "stupid" or "lazy" and that he really enjoys school and learning now.

I had my sons kindergarten teacher tell me that I NEEDED to have my son tested too, not very politely either and after having him in her class a whole 4 days. Not that I needed her to tell me really, I had suspected it in him from a baby, but his doctor advised school age for a formal evaluation. However, just because the school suggests it they cannot be the ones to decide he does or doesn't need (or even if he will or will not) take medication for it. Only a doctor can prescribe the drugs and only a parent can decide they want to give it to their child. The school can recommend all they want, and in fairness they do generally have the child's best interests at heart......but in the end it is up to you and your doctor to decide if they need testing and/or medication if a diagnosis is made. I chose to test him through our own doctor not through the school testing. His school doesn't even have it on their records and I had to inform his 1st grade teacher myself. I'm sure I'll have to inform his new 2nd grade teacher this fall as well.

I too requested my son be moved into the other K class at his school (for several other reasons) and also had a positive response to a new teacher who did take special time with him when he needed to be removed from the over stimulation. He made it through kindergarten a fairly happy boy without medications. We tried giving him some of the natural remedies for attention and for a little bit they seemed to help him. By the end of Kindergarten I knew that going into 1st grade would be tough for him unmedicated. In K they did a lot of moving around, of small group activities, of floor sitting, etc.... and in 1st grade it would be a lot more structured and he'd be expected to sit longer at a desk, follow more directions and in general be a lot more restricted in activity. Would the new teacher be able to work with him the same as the K teacher would? I then made the decision to start the meds on him over the summer so we would have several months of getting his medications adjusted if necessary. He did excellent on the first meds prescribed, however after a couple months he would backslide and need to have the milligrams increased. He went from 5mg to 10 to finally 20 and has been on that for 6 months. I keep track of how his life is going and we see the doctor every 6 months for medication evals. If things change then we'll change his treatment accordingly. When he's old enough I'll let him have a say in his medical treatment. For now we are doing what we know is best for his circumstances. He's still active, he's still challenging and more often than not he still doesn't do what I ask the first time because playing is more important. But now he's choosing not to. He's a pretty normal little boy.

 

[DVCJones]

Again I an not judging the parents, we have been raised in a time where there is a pill to fix everything & everyone wants to keep up w/ the Jones's and there kids to keep up w/ the Jones's kids. It is just the norm now and I guess this is the world as we know it now. There are more people on antidepressants than not..they are prescribed for quitting smoking, insomnia, pms, you name it. My aunt is on them because she wasn't happy, well she still has an unfaithful nasty husband & kids who talk down to her, but now she doen't care that much!! Is that a solution She tried going off of them & experienced "brain zaps" & scary thoughts. This is not a crazy woman, this is a person given medicine instead of fixing the problem( her life) I know I am going off topic a little but instead of being defensive I wish people would just do research on these side effects, it is very eye opening!!

I agree totally with what you are trying to say. As a teacher, mother, and friend to many adults and children who are medication for depression, ADD, ADHD, etc. I really do see a real need in some cases. The majority though, make me wonder. Example: A dear friend goes through a divorce is prescribed meds to "get through" Ten years later she is remarried to a wonderful man has a beautiful baby and both her and her DH make six figures EACH.... and yet still on the meds. I asked her why one day. Her answer was that she likes the way it makes her "NOT feel" things in life. She said she doesn't like feeling bad, sad, angry, etc.

I get that. However, I think the old saying of "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger" is true. I think many people take meds to help them through everyday disappointments. Yes, it sucks to go through a divorce, have a sick child, lose a loved one, etc. ( all things that I have personally experienced) I just don't see the need for meds to get through it. I think the experiences should be tackled head on and should be an opportunity to grow stronger.

As a mother, I see many people give their kids everything they ask for. What is wrong with children experiencing a little age appropriate disappointment? It is okay to say no to a child free from begging, bribes, and tricks. What happen to explaining to a child why, and just leave it at that. It teaches children how to deal with life little by little. (example: I take my children to the park, when it is time to go, give a two minute warning then go. No, "if we leave now, we can get ice cream" Yes, I expect a hassle but, they learn to deal w/ dissapointment and don't expect something to cooperate.

As a teacher, In these days where there are no winners in children sports and no score is kept, so to spare feelings, every child gets a part in the play, every student has the same number of pictures in the schools art show...etc, is odd to me. These are life examples that teach children to cope. I have dealt more parents that "drop" into the school for the littlest of things (helicopter parents) with all kinds of reasons for why they child can't, won't didn't do their work.

This is getting too long so I will end it by just saying that there is a need for medication, but, lets try giving the children the skills to cope with life so they don't become part of the lifelong medicated.

This is not meant to offend, I simply wanted to agree with the OP!

ahh, I think I will get my flame suit now!
Peace!

 

[Order66]

What exactly does learning that disappointment is a part of life have to do with giving medication to a child with ADHD? Sorry son, I'm sorry you can't read that book because your brain doesn't function properly. There is something I can do about it, but I'd rather you just deal with it so you know life isn't fair.

Wow....... just wow...........

 

[DVCJones]

What exactly does learning that disappointment is a part of life have to do with giving medication to a child with ADHD? Sorry son, I'm sorry you can't read that book because your brain doesn't function properly. There is something I can do about it, but I'd rather you just deal with it so you know life isn't fair.

Wow....... just wow...........

Completely unrelated!!!

Just for the record I have seen many children benefit greatly from medication. All I am saying is it shouldn't be a quick fix.

 

[DVCJones]

I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment.

Amen!

 

[isla bonita]

I don't know why someone who is not faced with this situation is judging people who are. . . My 8 year old son is on medication for ADD. It is not a decision we made lightly. I don't give him the medicine in the summer or even on the weekends during the school year. Strictly school days only. It is NOT given to him to make him behave better, it is given to him solely to help him focus. We tried tutoring and "special" classes for extra help. While they helped a little, it just wasn't enough. His teacher said it's not that he can't do the work, it's that he just can't stay focused. After evaluation from teachers and doctors we reluctantly decided to try the meds. Total transformation. The teacher said he now looks at her with eye contact when she's teaching. He now knows what he is supposed to be doing and does it. There's no more staring off into space and fidgeting with anything he can find on his desk. He is totally caught up on his math and went from reading 21 words per minute to 91 words per minute in a matter of a few months.

Would you suggest that we just let him fall behind in school when there is a medicine that helps him stay focused and have a better life?

It sounds just like our situation. For his benefit I had him tested and they suggested them because of his results. We will be starting the med this school year. He tested out at 94% and he is getting c's in school. I am only sorry I waited so long to get him the help he needs.

 

[Order66]

Completely unrelated!!!

Just for the record I have seen many children benefit greatly from medication. All I am saying is it shouldn't be a quick fix.

Not unrelated just one example. And you deleted your first reply before I could respond. My sons are twins and have exactly the same mental stimulation from reading and learning since they were babies. So how is it that one is ADHD and the other is not? How very ignorant of you to suggest that kids are hyper because their parents haven't taught them well. My son has a brain that doesn't process information properly. Medication certainly isn't a quick fix, it's a necessity to his health.

I'm very glad that you have children that don't suffer from this illness. However since you haven't lived it you really don't have an opinion that means anything to me. It just seriously irked me to have you compare myself and other parents here who DO know what it's like to have an ADHD child that requires medication for them to function like everyone else......and then compare it to an adult friend who has made a choice to use drugs as a crutch. There is where you crossed my line. It's mine turn now....

Completely unrelated!!!

 

[DVCJones]

Not unrelated just one example. And you deleted your first reply before I could respond. My sons are twins and have exactly the same mental stimulation from reading and learning since they were babies. So how is it that one is ADHD and the other is not? How very ignorant of you to suggest that kids are hyper because their parents haven't taught them well. My son has a brain that doesn't process information properly. Medication certainly isn't a quick fix, it's a necessity to his health.

I'm very glad that you have children that don't suffer from this illness. However since you haven't lived it you really don't have an opinion that means anything to me. It just seriously irked me to have you compare myself and other parents here who DO know what it's like to have an ADHD child that requires medication for them to function like everyone else......and then compare it to an adult friend who has made a choice to use drugs as a crutch. There is where you crossed my line. It's mine turn now....

Completely unrelated!!!

PLEASE!!!! I'll say it again. I do believe there is a need for medication!!!!!

Shall I say it again?

The example I used for my friend was to reiterate what the op had said in the quoted post. Just another example of over prescribed meds. or a "crutch" as you put it.

Funny you used the word "crutch" You wouldn't be judging my friend now, would you? hmmm

It is hard not to put ones personal spin on this debate. I understand that!!!

I deleted my post because you missed what I was trying to say. Completely unrelated!!

There is a true need for medication in a lot of cases. I am just one person who believes that it is over prescribed to many children and adults. If you think that means I am talking directly to you... (or anyone else) well, What can I say?

The OP made a statement about meds being over prescribed. I agreed and gave some examples on why. I could give more but won't

As for my children, they are very young. I don't know if they will have any of the above mentioned diagnoses. If they do I will deal with like everyone else. Making the decisions I think best for my child. As parents we listen to our doctors and hope we make the right decisions. I also think the real problem is with drs over prescribing more so than the parents who want to do the best thing for their child. We all do!!

To call me ignorant is well, ignorant!

 

[Kriii]

I am fortunate that my child does not need meds but if she did I would not hesitate to give them to her. There are many "invisible" illnesses such as ADD, OCD, mental illness etc. that are much helped with medication. These illnesses are every bit is real as cancer etc. Schools do not "push meds" - teachers can recommend medical followup when there is concern and the parent plus physician then determine what is appropriate, not the school district. It may seem that there is a sudden explosion of kids on meds or being diagnosed with ADD (and who knows, mabey there is) but there has also been increases in other types of illnesses (autism for example). I wouldn't assume that there is fault to be assigned for this. OP, please be kind to these parents who are facing the decision whether or not to medicate and treat these "invisible" illnesses their children face. Medication DOES help from my observations of the kids I work with.

 

[BionicEar]

I am a mental health professional that works in our city's public schools for a mental health agency. I have worked with children for over 10 years and I can tell you that lots of children do much better on medication once they have been given the correct medication, dosage, etc.

Children with ADD/ADHD have lots of trouble at school doing things such as sitting still, listening, following direction, acting out, and huge behavior issues. Their minds are going a mile a minute - its a sensory issue - try listening to the teacher give direction when your mind is spinning a mile a minute. It is frustrating to a child when he/she can not understand his schoolwork or what the teacher is doing because of his/her ADD/ADHD.

Many children, after they have a psych evaluation with a psycholigist and are put on the correct medication (not all ADHD meds are stimulants) and correct dosage see a world of difference in their grades, relationships and behavior.
Meds are not right for every child, but in my ten years doing this work I have seen so many children that meds have made all the difference.

Unfortunarely, many parents are afraid to give their children medications but they do help and can be a lifesaver for a child. Just my two cents....

My husband was one of "those" who was anti-medication, etc... but after dealing with our oldest, who is very severely ADHD (and borderline Asperger), he changed his tune completely after he saw what a HUGE difference medication AND therapy has made on our son.

My son is now 11 and he'll be the first one to tell you that he absolutely NEEDS his meds to be able to function in the classroom. Julm, you hit the nail right on the head here - my son's brain is going at Mach 5 - he physically cannot slow down long enough to stay focused on task. We did the whole trial/error thing with his meds, and believe you me, it's worth going through to get it right. Just takes patience and perseverance.

I'm convinced ADHD, etc., is genetic, because I have those same feelings. There are days I cannot concentrate on something because my brain just will not slow down. It's frustrating. Shoot... I can't stand handwriting anything anymore because my brain runs too fast for my fingers to keep up (hence I type a lot). That would probably explain why my son also hates to write.

Right now my son is having a "medication vacation." Whoooo boy that kid is a spitfire and a huge bundle of energy who's driving his siblings absolutely NUTS. But that's why I love him.

 

[Order66]

The title of this thread is Why so many kids on meds.....and the OP going on about the frequent discussions of ADHD/ADD and meds, tossing in a bit of opinion about drugs being overused and suggesting we say "no to all drugs" including obviously those "over prescribed" ADHD medications.

I'm not arguing whether or not any or all drugs are over used, as I have no specific data on this subject. Do you?

Your post however made no sense to me in the conversation. But you talking about teaching children that life isn't fair and we don't always get what we want when we want it tied into children that need medications how? Then you told us a tale of your friend who takes meds in your opinion she doesn't need. I don't need to judge your friend, just following your lead.

Maybe you were going OT and I didn't get it? Maybe I need a dose of my son's meds?

I haven't spent a lot of time figuring out the features of this board and one of the things I never bothered to look up is how to turn off the subscribe feature. I get an email of every reply to every thread I have posted in, which isn't all that many. Your original post stated kids are hyper because they can't cope with life and all we need to do is teach them to relax and focus young. If we don't that's when the behavior problems begin. My son's problems have nothing to do with lack of teaching him how to relax or focusing. He doesn't because he can't. He didn't even look at your face when you talked to him, even as an infant. How can you teach a brain that cannot learn? That is what I called ignorant. The statement. I'm not a child, I've outgrown general name calling.

To repeat what others have already said. ADHD meds will not affect a person who doesn't have the illness. It doesn't control behavior, it helps the child think before he(or she) acts, thus controlling themselves. Meds alone are a tool to help that child process so they can learn the focus and coping mechanisms that come to other people normally. My son still has his days he whines, doesn't pay attention, doesn't follow directions, gets into trouble, has meltdown........like all normal children. Difference is he is choosing to do so now.

I love my son and all his differences, but my life would sure be easier some days if he didn't have his problems. I do sincerely hope you never have to walk in my shoes and if you do, you'll realize you can't teach or love it out of them.

regards

 

[DVCJones]

[Q

Your post however made no sense to me in the conversation. But you talking about teaching children that life isn't fair and we don't always get what we want when we want it tied into children that need medications how?

I was just giving my thoughts on why there are so many adults/children on medication these days. The OP gave some examples of many drugs being over prescribed for a number of illnesses. I agreed and gave a few personal examples of my own. My examples where meant to show a pattern or snowball effect on how this can and does get out of hand. It can start as children and lead into adulthood. It has been documented also that it is very hard to get off the stuff once on them. Also, there have been many documentaries on television recently that talk about the drug companies not being clear on the side effects to taking these meds.

If you check my original post I highlighted the OP post where it mentions the use of medication to treat a number of illnesses.

Again, I am not saying there is not a need for them. Of course there is. Hell, I can seriously think of a few family members that might need some. I just see a lot of it in my profession. I also wonder why most of my friends are on some sort of medication too. These are smart, women with great lives who need something to get them through the day. Some have been on it since childhood. Some have tried to get off and can't. because of the side effect/after effects

That is where my theory on over prescribing medications come from.

I understand this kind of topic turns personal for most. It was not my intention to hurt anyones feelings or judge. I was simply giving personal examples on why I feel the way I do on prescribed meds.

 

[6TimeMomma]

As a mother, I see many people give their kids everything they ask for. What is wrong with children experiencing a little age appropriate disappointment? It is okay to say no to a child free from begging, bribes, and tricks. What happen to explaining to a child why, and just leave it at that. It teaches children how to deal with life little by little. (example: I take my children to the park, when it is time to go, give a two minute warning then go. No, "if we leave now, we can get ice cream" Yes, I expect a hassle but, they learn to deal w/ dissapointment and don't expect something to cooperate.

As a teacher, In these days where there are no winners in children sports and no score is kept, so to spare feelings, every child gets a part in the play, every student has the same number of pictures in the schools art show...etc, is odd to me. These are life examples that teach children to cope. I have dealt more parents that "drop" into the school for the littlest of things (helicopter parents) with all kinds of reasons for why they child can't, won't didn't do their work.

I'm not seeing the connection between medication and disappointments in life?

 

[6TimeMomma]

I was just giving my thoughts on why there are so many adults/children on medication these days. The OP gave some examples of many drugs being over prescribed for a number of illnesses. I agreed and gave a few personal examples of my own. My examples where meant to show a pattern or snowball effect on how this can and does get out of hand. It can start as children and lead into adulthood. It has been documented also that it is very hard to get off the stuff once on them. Also, there have been many documentaries on television recently that talk about the drug companies not being clear on the side effects to taking these meds.

If you check my original post I highlighted the OP post where it mentions the use of medication to treat a number of illnesses.

Okay, I am still confused. The OP in the thread actually only mentions ADHD meds. And I reread your post and it really does look like you are saying that if we would just teach our kids to cope, then they wouldn't need meds, so yea, I can see where people would definitely get offended by that,

 

[DVCJones]

Again!!! My post is not meant to make parents with children on medication defend their position!!!!!

The OP original question did exclusively ask why so many children on medicaton. As the thread continued different examples of adults and children entered the thread. RIGHT???

Hence my personal experiences with people I know on medication. Geez!!! If you choose to attack me then at least keep in mind of the entire message. Don't just choose the part that stings YOU personally.

Keeping with the theme of JUST children.

My nephew, is in first grade he spent the first five years of his life in a hostile household. Parents admit regularly to fighting in front of him. The next two years are spent bouncing from mom, dad and both sets of grandparent houses. He spends a lot of time in front of a TV. He also continues to poop in his pants daily. He is six!!! He does not poop at school as he know this not okay.His mother tells him it is okay She has never taken him to the dr. for this issue to rule out a medical condition. He swears at his parents regularly. He had a hard time in school last year completing school work and with discipline. His parents are now catching heat from the school. Guess what they want to do? Get him evaluated for possible medication.

Now I cannot be the only one out there who sees how this poor child was failed.

Again, this is only a personal example that I have witnessed firsthand.
Before I get flamed again!!!! remember that I do believe medication is really needed for some kids/ adult. I just also believe that for every one child that truly needs the meds, there is one who is on it who doesn't.

JMHO

I am done commenting on this topic. I understand that parents will defend their children to the end. I do it too. This is a topic that is too personal to some to have a two way discussion. Someone always feels the need to "defend". I know that there are people who share some of the same thoughts. (maybe just not willing to get flamed for it) Again, I did not mean to offend just to have a debatable discussion.