Re: ADD/Ritalin

I have had several situations involving ADD and Ritalin. And I want to point
out some things I learned. No I am not a doctor so this is a non medical
opinion. What I have learned/been told is that ADD (Attention Deficit
Disorder) children show an immediate change in behavior and activities once
they are put on Ritalin. In other words Johnny is an intelligent child who
cannot concentrate and is always in trouble and gets C's, D's and F's on his
report card. Once diagnosed and put on ritalin Johnny is calmer and his
grades and behavior show near immediate improvement. Now I have had several
students and scouts where this was the case. On the other hand I know for a
fact that there are many many students who are diagnosed with ADD and are
taking Ritalin with know real change in their behavior (other then a slight
seditive effect). Beware of that situation. Because I personally feel that
ADD is in some cases being diagnosed when the actual problem is that the
student/scout just is a general pain in the you know what. Being diagnosed
ADD becomes an excuse for his behavior. The BEST answer I have gotten is
that one of the criteria for ADD diagnosis is a change in behavior with the
use of Ritalin. I know for a fact that there are a lot of kids out there who
are on ritalin and it does little or nothing for them. They may have other
problems but from what I have been told they are not ADD.

By the way Ian we had this conversation before privately I think. Sorry if I
rehashed it. I know things are different in the US and the UK
Jim Deroba
Ag Education Teacher
Scouter

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