SHARON PRICE was thinking about Ritalin and keyed into cyberspace:
SP>I've been watching Jane "dominate" the conference for quite a while
SP>now. Jane, I think it's unconscionable the way you try to persuade
SP>parents to not give their kids ritalin when they need it.  Yes, the
SP>school did put pressure on me and I resisted for awhile, but that
SP>doesn't change the fact that he has ADHD and he needs the Ritalin to
SP>be able to be successful in the classroom.  BTW, the Ritalin is
SP>prescribed by a very competent psychiatrist, not a GP.  Ritalin
SP>wasn't a magic wand for him though.  He was continuing to have
SP>problems getting along with his peers.  Then the diagnoses was made
SP>that he has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a "high functioning" form
SP>of autism.  This seems to be hereditary.  I also have a 21 year old
SP>autistic son and I have also been diagnosed with asperger's syndrome.
SP>Now my son also takes Risperdal which is helping.  My point is:  if I
SP>had listened to YOU, Jane, my would be labeled as a serious trouble
SP>maker and probably viewed as psychotic by the school.  His
SP>neurological problem would have never been recongnised.  He wouldn't
SP>get the help he needs and would probably eventually drop out of high
SP>school and end up in jail.  And yes, Jane, I'm sure there are many
SP>kids that the teachers just don't want to mess with and push the
SP>parents put them on Ritalin.  On the other hand, most of the teachers
SP>seem not to want to believe that ADHD is a real disorder.  It's very
SP>paradoxical.  Jane, you're doing the parents in this conference no
SP>favor.  If it were up to me, you wouldn't be allowed to post in here.
Good morning Sharon:
Yes, Jane is a real "winner". However, we keep her around for one 
important reason.
We use her as a bad example. 
Jane's postings are so absurd that she actually can cause someone who 
was scared off medicating to re-think their position. For those who do 
not re-think their position after reading Jane-isms, there is no hope. 
They have their prejudices and will not change until something drastic 
wakes them up. I feel sorry for the kids, but there is little that can 
be done.
BTW, you certainly do sound like a caring mom who is doing the best for 
her kids.
               The Few. The Proud. The Chosen.
                     markprobe@aol.com
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 * CMPQwk #1.4 * UNREGISTERED EVALUATION COPY
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