Pure Parents

Question:

>That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and error

Titration?    Do you know what you’re talking about? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->process as the doctor adjusts and re-adjusts to get the maximum benefit out >of the minimum dosage.

Response:

>>That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and error >Titration?    Do you know what you’re talking about?

Leah most certainly does. The finding of the correct dosage is called titration. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->process as the doctor adjusts and re-adjusts to get the maximum benefit out >of the minimum dosage.

Response:

> >>That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and error >Titration?    Do you know what you’re talking about? > Leah most certainly does. The finding of the correct dosage is called > titration.

Correct. Steve

Response:

>Titration?    Do you know what you’re talking about?

I *know* she does.  Do you? — Ann

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> writes: > >> As I said – nothing against meds – there probably is someone out there > >> for whom it is just right – just been reporting about those 3 kids > >Sounds as if their dosages are either wrong, or the extra dosage was too > >much. > >Properly administered, in appropriate dosage, Ritalin — or any of the > other > >stimulant medications used as part of an ADHDers overall treatment > plan — > >will *not* turn kids into "zombies". > >Would have been nice if you knew enough to know that and to comment upon > >that than to cast not-so-veiled-aspersions on parents of ADHDers, even > with > >your little caveat. > Most doctors must give the wrong dosage then, Leah. > That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and error > process as the doctor adjusts and re-adjusts to get the maximum benefit out > of the minimum dosage. >The kids I’ve > known personally through friends and co-workers on Ritalin were all rather > zombie-like. > Under what conditions?  I don’t know many of my co-workers’ children well > enough to comment on their general behavior.  When I see them, it’s usually > under controlled conditions (Take your child to work day, for example) or in > a more free-wheeling environment (the company picnic).  Neither would give > me a true measure of how a child behaves within school or at home. >As were the kids on Ritalin in both of my daughters’s classes. > In my 7 yo daughter’s class alone this past year….out of 21 > children….7 > were on Ritalin and they were all the quietest, the most compliant, the > least > smiling, the stillest and the most unhappy, UN-KIDlike children in the > class. > It was sad. > Seven children does not a ‘most’ make. > Did you interview each child to find out if they were truly ‘unhappy’? Did > you ask each one if they found it better or worse now that they could > concentrate on a task?  Ask them what it feels like to have the ’static > noise’ lowered so they can learn about the world around them?

I would tend to *think* they would *think* they are happy. > Funny, I have yet to see *one* — not *one* child who has appeared > ‘zombie-like’ and considering I have a child in a specialized school where > *many* of the children take Ritalin

I’m sorry, that *many* seems to high to me. Mrs. P

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > (Fatass) > writes: > >>Well Folks – just venting and sharing > >(On a strictly personal note: I call it bitching and moaning.   I > >don’t disagree with your implications re. the use of drugs, but I > >think you’re a self-righteous asshole.  Just wanted to get that off my > >chest.  Thanks for listening.) > I totally disagree. I think he came off as someone who was merely > very saddened by what he saw and who wonders if there might be > a better way. I know I agree with him…it’s sad. I personally think > Ritalin is > WAY overused. I think that *most* on it don’t need it at all. (not all, > just most)  JMO though. > According to the NIMH and NIH, you’re wrong.  Recent long-term studies show > that ADHD is often *under*diagnosed and many children who should be > receiving medication as part of their treatment plans aren’t receiving it — > especially children in low-income, urban areas.

May I ask "why" on that low income statistic.  When I read that I think of parents that just ignore their children, possibly abuse them, and therefore, making the child irritable. Does that mean they need this stuff?  Or need attention? Mrs. P – not being rude here, just wondering what an income could have to do with this subject.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> (Fatass) > > writes: > > >>Well Folks – just venting and sharing > > >(On a strictly personal note: I call it bitching and moaning.   I > > >don’t disagree with your implications re. the use of drugs, but I > > >think you’re a self-righteous asshole.  Just wanted to get that off my > > >chest.  Thanks for listening.) > > I totally disagree. I think he came off as someone who was merely > > very saddened by what he saw and who wonders if there might be > > a better way. I know I agree with him…it’s sad. I personally think > Ritalin is > > WAY overused. I think that *most* on it don’t need it at all. (not all, > > just most)  JMO though. > According to the NIMH and NIH, you’re wrong.  Recent long-term studies > show > that ADHD is often *under*diagnosed and many children who should be > receiving medication as part of their treatment plans aren’t receiving > it — > especially children in low-income, urban areas. > May I ask "why" on that low income statistic.  When I read that I think of > parents that just ignore their children, possibly abuse them, and therefore, > making the child irritable.

The sentence is telling you the problem is under diagnosed, especially in low-income children living in urban area. My first thought is $$ and poor to no access to quality health care. Abuse knows no economic boundaries so abuse doesn’t raise a red flag in connection with "low income." And the signs of abuse are markedly different from the signs of ADD/ADHD.

Response:

>>Titration?    Do you know what you’re talking about? >I *know* she does.  Do you?

I know what titration is.  It’s when you discover the concentration of a solution by adding it to a known solution until the reaction completes.   I think that the poster was referring to the use of prepared known doses in humans, not to volumetric analysis. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >Ann

Response:

>>>That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and error >Titration?    Do you know what you’re talking about? >Leah most certainly does. The finding of the correct dosage is called >titration.

Really?  I didn’t know.  I stand corrected. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>process as the doctor adjusts and re-adjusts to get the maximum benefit out >>of the minimum dosage.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > writes: > > >> As I said – nothing against meds – there probably is someone out > there > > >> for whom it is just right – just been reporting about those 3 kids > > >Sounds as if their dosages are either wrong, or the extra dosage was > too > > >much. > > >Properly administered, in appropriate dosage, Ritalin — or any of the > other > > >stimulant medications used as part of an ADHDers overall treatment > plan — > > >will *not* turn kids into "zombies". > > >Would have been nice if you knew enough to know that and to comment > upon > > >that than to cast not-so-veiled-aspersions on parents of ADHDers, even > with > > >your little caveat. > > Most doctors must give the wrong dosage then, Leah. > That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and > error > process as the doctor adjusts and re-adjusts to get the maximum benefit > out > of the minimum dosage. > >The kids I’ve > > known personally through friends and co-workers on Ritalin were all > rather > > zombie-like. > Under what conditions?  I don’t know many of my co-workers’ children well > enough to comment on their general behavior.  When I see them, it’s > usually > under controlled conditions (Take your child to work day, for example) or > in > a more free-wheeling environment (the company picnic).  Neither would give > me a true measure of how a child behaves within school or at home. > >As were the kids on Ritalin in both of my daughters’s classes. > > In my 7 yo daughter’s class alone this past year….out of 21 > children….7 > > were on Ritalin and they were all the quietest, the most compliant, the > least > > smiling, the stillest and the most unhappy, UN-KIDlike children in the > class. > > It was sad. > Seven children does not a ‘most’ make. > Did you interview each child to find out if they were truly ‘unhappy’? > Did > you ask each one if they found it better or worse now that they could > concentrate on a task?  Ask them what it feels like to have the ’static > noise’ lowered so they can learn about the world around them? > I would tend to *think* they would *think* they are happy.

Are you suggesting that they are really unhappy but don’t know it?  On what basis do you make such a judgment?  Would you be happier if they were noisy and troublesome and _still_ were unhappy? > Funny, I have yet to see *one* — not *one* child who has appeared > ‘zombie-like’ and considering I have a child in a specialized school where > *many* of the children take Ritalin > I’m sorry, that *many* seems to high to me.

What is your point? Very honestly, as a person who was diagnosed late in life, and who suffered with untreated ADHD into middle age, anybody who would deny a child proper treatment is in my book the lowest of the low. Kids with ADHD often _are_ unhappy.  We’re different, we get singled out, we have trouble making and keeping friends, we have trouble with social cues, we have trouble getting things done, for some of us just trying to sit still through a day of class takes all the concentration we are able to muster, for others trying to stay awake through that day is an equal trial.  If we are among the group for whom the meds work (they don’t work for everybody, and different individuals respond to different meds) the meds change all that. When I was a kid, I tended to hang with the other ADHD kids, only one of whom had been diagnosed at the time.  To be perfectly honest, the whole lot of us were little assholes, stabbing each other in the back with some regularity.  For a while I dated the most beautiful girl in the school.  She did every drug known to man, and would sleep with anything with a penis, and when she wasn’t high on something she was _weird_, but _damn_ she looked good.  That’s another downside–kids with ADHD if they don’t get treated often self-medicate with uppers, speed, cocaine, and other drugs.  I was fortunate–I turned to caffeine.  The trouble with that was that when I drank enough Coca-Cola to be functional, the sugar content was such that I turned into a blob. Rent a movie called "Miss Congeniality".  Watch the character of Agent Hart.  That’s how a gifted kid with ADHD turns out, IF he’s lucky–the brightest, most dedicated person in the organization, with a responsible job, but unable to do much with either the intelligence or the job.   Notice that her decisions are usually right, but nobody listens to her, and she often gets in trouble over them because she recognizes that peoples’ lives are at risk and she won’t back down while that is the case but she can’t convince anyone else to listen to her.  Notice what her apartment looks like.  Notice her personal appearance.  Notice her social life and how she relates to people.  Notice her coworkers attitude toward her.  Notice her personal habits.  First time I saw that movie, I immediately recognized "been there, done that".  Ask yourself, do you want your kids to turn out that way and have that kind of life? — — –John Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net (used to be jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Response:

>Well Folks – just venting and sharing

(On a strictly personal note: I call it bitching and moaning.   I don’t disagree with your implications re. the use of drugs, but I think you’re a self-righteous asshole.  Just wanted to get that off my chest.  Thanks for listening.)   Does anyone know of any logitudinal studies that may have been done on Ritalin users?  What happens to these kids twenty or thirty years down the line?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> wrotc: >> Yesterday we were at a birthday party – There were 7 kids and 3 >> zombies.7 kids running around Burger King play place up and down the >> slide and other play equipment laughing, screaming and having a ball >> like 5-8 yo like to do. 3 zombies mostly sitting through the whole >> affair stone faced with not cracking a smile or any emotional >> expression >> "Hey don’t you want to go on the slide" Obediently zombie #1 raises >> from the seat and stone faced waddled to the slide, climbs up and >> comes down. Whooopie. No smile, no change of expression. >> "Isn’t he a good boy" Mom says – "not as wild and misbehaved as they >> other kids – When he was 2 he used to hit me – Thanks to Ritalin he >> does not do that any more. I made sure there were no problems at this >> birthday party" She say proudly like someone who knows better "I just >> gave him an extra dose before the party" >> "Me too – me too" The other to zombies parents echo. >> I felt getting angry – I bit my tongue – after all it was a birthday >> party and a fight would not have been a good memory for the birthday >> boy. >> Before any of you call me a ritalin hater – I have no problem with >> medications for a proper reason be the name of the meds whatever it >> may be. I also am not an expert or have any statistics on how many of >> those cases like this are in the world. All I have seen is 3 Zombies >> at a birthday party. Sitting and walking around like in a C Movie >> Horror flick "The invasion of the Ritalin Zombies" It could have been >> titled. >> I do not know how "bad" the kids were without meds and what the reason >> for their misbehavior or traits that made it necessary for them to be >> medicated. Not at all do I want to elevate me to the position of a >> medical professional capable of making a determination and diagnosis >> of what is best for a particular individual. I just have one question >> to those parents and doctors. >> "Is that the best you can do for those kids?" "Is there no other way >> to handle their condition?" "How bad does bad have to be to warrant >> this" >> Well Folks – just venting and sharing >Wow. I would have been a little upset too.  Although, we dont know the >actions of the child normally.  But Im surprised to hear a parent is "happy" >seeing their child like a zombie.  Maybe, its a nice break from what they >normally have to deal with.  I dont know.  But I do know, seeing my child >like that wouldnt make me happy either. >Mrs. P > Well the one who is in my sons class I know closer I am friends with > their neighbor too. Mom is an alcoholic never paid attention to the > kid. Is getting support from the authorities (local CPS) for having a > problem child. Kid is on meds since age 2 and mostly a zombie – now he > is a good kid. Only sometimes when the pills wear off he kicks someone > and then she takes him to the doctor and dutifully he ups the meds. > Voiced my opinion there – but is useless. > Free Spirit > DD(5) DS(8)

Ahh, so she’s too sick to want to be bothered by a child that may require attention, and the government/medical community is reinforcing this.  Shame. — Nan < Did you click today? http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Response:

> What is a shame is that the parents think that being emotionally > flat is a good thing.   Would these parents think that the kids were > being good if they were spaced out on illegal drugs as teenagers?

Well, one thing’s for sure: they’d have had a much better time on the slide, at that point. AJPDLA

Response:

writes: >Well Folks – just venting and sharing >(On a strictly personal note: I call it bitching and moaning.   I >don’t disagree with your implications re. the use of drugs, but I >think you’re a self-righteous asshole.  Just wanted to get that off my >chest.  Thanks for listening.)  

I totally disagree. I think he came off as someone who was merely very saddened by what he saw and who wonders if there might be a better way. I know I agree with him…it’s sad. I personally think Ritalin is WAY overused. I think that *most* on it don’t need it at all. (not all, just most)  JMO though. Josie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Yesterday we were at a birthday party – There were 7 kids and 3 >zombies.7 kids running around Burger King play place up and down the >slide and other play equipment laughing, screaming and having a ball >like 5-8 yo like to do. 3 zombies mostly sitting through the whole >affair stone faced with not cracking a smile or any emotional >expression >What is a shame is that the parents think that being emotionally >flat is a good thing.   Would these parents think that the kids were >being good if they were spaced out on illegal drugs as teenagers?

I think the more emotionally flamboyant….the healthier one is. But what do I know?…..I’m Italian….and we’re ALL emotional as hell. Josie

Response:

writes: > As I said – nothing against meds – there probably is someone out there > for whom it is just right – just been reporting about those 3 kids >Sounds as if their dosages are either wrong, or the extra dosage was too >much. >Properly administered, in appropriate dosage, Ritalin — or any of the other >stimulant medications used as part of an ADHDers overall treatment plan — >will *not* turn kids into "zombies". >Would have been nice if you knew enough to know that and to comment upon >that than to cast not-so-veiled-aspersions on parents of ADHDers, even with >your little caveat.

Most doctors must give the wrong dosage then, Leah. The kids I’ve known personally through friends and co-workers on Ritalin were all rather zombie-like. As were the kids on Ritalin in both of my daughters’s classes. In my 7 yo daughter’s class alone this past year….out of 21 children….7 were on Ritalin and they were all the quietest, the most compliant, the least smiling, the stillest and the most unhappy, UN-KIDlike children in the class. It was sad. Josie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> writes: > >> As I said – nothing against meds – there probably is someone out there > >> for whom it is just right – just been reporting about those 3 kids > >Sounds as if their dosages are either wrong, or the extra dosage was too > >much. > >Properly administered, in appropriate dosage, Ritalin — or any of the >other > >stimulant medications used as part of an ADHDers overall treatment >plan — > >will *not* turn kids into "zombies". > >Would have been nice if you knew enough to know that and to comment upon > >that than to cast not-so-veiled-aspersions on parents of ADHDers, even >with > >your little caveat. > Most doctors must give the wrong dosage then, Leah. >That may be.  Proper titration of stim meds is oftentimes a trial and error >process as the doctor adjusts and re-adjusts to get the maximum benefit out >of the minimum dosage. >The kids I’ve > known personally through friends and co-workers on Ritalin were all rather > zombie-like. >Under what conditions?  I don’t know many of my co-workers’ children well >enough to comment on their general behavior.  When I see them, it’s usually >under controlled conditions (Take your child to work day, for example) or in >a more free-wheeling environment (the company picnic).  Neither would give >me a true measure of how a child behaves within school or at home.

Maybe I was rather involved with my co-workers and their families…perhaps moreso than many are. I’m a people-person and I was a waitress for years….and while I have worked in large establishments on occasion…..most of the restaurants I usually worked at tended to be small….closeknit kinda places where most of us became quite close friends. I saw most of my co-workers and their families in their homes very often….as well as having them in my home often. Still do….as many of them became my close friends. I’ve babysat for them, and they for my children. Have them to dinner often….go to their homes for dinner. We often get together for BBQ’s….to play cards….to go the movies or out to eat or whatever. I know their kids quite well. Most of the places that I preferred to work at were somewhat mom & pop places…..and it really isn’t hard in places like that to get to know your co-workers and their families quite well. >As were the kids on Ritalin in both of my daughters’s classes. > In my 7 yo daughter’s class alone this past year….out of 21 >children….7 > were on Ritalin and they were all the quietest, the most compliant, the >least > smiling, the stillest and the most unhappy, UN-KIDlike children in the >class. > It was sad. >Seven children does not a ‘most’ make.

No….you’re right. But 7 out of 21 is a pretty sizable amount/ratio…and I find it rather odd that at least *one* of the seven *didn’t* act like a zombie. And I still found it quite sad. >Did you interview each child to find out if they were truly ‘unhappy’?  Did >you ask each one if they found it better or worse now that they could >concentrate on a task?  Ask them what it feels like to have the ’static >noise’ lowered so they can learn about the world around them?

No….I did not interview each one, Leah. I didn’t say I did. I merely watched them and interacted with them…..and commented in here on how different they acted in comparison to the other children in class who were not on Ritalin. That’s all. Please understand me here. I didn’t mean to say that they were unhappy…..I merely said that they seemed unhappy in comparison to the other children. I know kids….and in *my* opinion…..(which I admit is only an opinion) most of the kids I’ve known on Ritalin simply do not act like regular, happy go lucky kids. That’s all I meant. >Funny, I have yet to see *one* — not *one* child who has appeared >’zombie-like’ and considering I have a child in a specialized school where >*many* of the children take Ritalin or another stim med as part of their >overall treatment plans, if we’re going to compare anecdotal ‘evidence’, >I’ll wager the ‘evidence’ I’ve seen over the past *decade* and more >outweighs yours.

It may very well outweigh mine, Leah. Probably does, in fact. I didn’t realize it was a battle of evidence. Sorry. I was commenting on what *I’ve* seen and what *my* opinion was. Although….I will say that between my friends….co-workers…and in my daughters’s classes at school….I too have a decade (actually more than that) under my belt of observing those that I *have* observed on Ritalin. I don’t pretend to say that means all that much though. I am only saying what *I’ve* seen. That’s all. Didn’t mean to offend you or anyone. Josie

Response:

wrotc: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ><snip> >I do not know how "bad" the kids were without meds and what the reason >for their misbehavior or traits that made it necessary for them to be >medicated. Not at all do I want to elevate me to the position of a >medical professional capable of making a determination and diagnosis >of what is best for a particular individual. I just have one question >to those parents and doctors. >"Is that the best you can do for those kids?" "Is there no other way >to handle their condition?" "How bad does bad have to be to warrant >this" >Well Folks – just venting and sharing >Free Spirit >DD(5) DS(8) >I agree to a point..I know personally one child who absolutely needed >ritalin..even while on it he is still kind of high strung. But I have >also seen kids who end up on it and it seems like all they needed was >a little change with parenting instead. Parents like the ones I have >seen..have no control at all over their kids whether they are on >ritalin or not. I too wish there was another way..but for some >cases..it is warranted and does work. >Frannie

As I said – nothing against meds – there probably is someone out there for whom it is just right – just been reporting about those 3 kids Free Spirit DD(5) DS(8)

Response:

Yesterday we were at a birthday party – There were 7 kids and 3 zombies.7 kids running around Burger King play place up and down the slide and other play equipment laughing, screaming and having a ball like 5-8 yo like to do. 3 zombies mostly sitting through the whole affair stone faced with not cracking a smile or any emotional expression "Hey don’t you want to go on the slide" Obediently zombie #1 raises from the seat and stone faced waddled to the slide, climbs up and comes down. Whooopie. No smile, no change of expression. "Isn’t he a good boy" Mom says – "not as wild and misbehaved as they other kids – When he was 2 he used to hit me – Thanks to Ritalin he does not do that any more. I made sure there were no problems at this birthday party" She say proudly like someone who knows better "I just gave him an extra dose before the party" "Me too – me too" The other to zombies parents echo. I felt getting angry – I bit my tongue – after all it was a birthday party and a fight would not have been a good memory for the birthday boy. Before any of you call me a ritalin hater – I have no problem with medications for a proper reason be the name of the meds whatever it may be. I also am not an expert or have any statistics on how many of those cases like this are in the world. All I have seen is 3 Zombies at a birthday party. Sitting and walking around like in a C Movie Horror flick "The invasion of the Ritalin Zombies" It could have been titled. I do not know how "bad" the kids were without meds and what the reason for their misbehavior or traits that made it necessary for them to be medicated. Not at all do I want to elevate me to the position of a medical professional capable of making a determination and diagnosis of what is best for a particular individual. I just have one question to those parents and doctors. "Is that the best you can do for those kids?" "Is there no other way to handle their condition?" "How bad does bad have to be to warrant this" Well Folks – just venting and sharing Free Spirit DD(5) DS(8)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yesterday we were at a birthday party – There were 7 kids and 3 > zombies.7 kids running around Burger King play place up and down the > slide and other play equipment laughing, screaming and having a ball > like 5-8 yo like to do. 3 zombies mostly sitting through the whole > affair stone faced with not cracking a smile or any emotional > expression > "Hey don’t you want to go on the slide" Obediently zombie #1 raises > from the seat and stone faced waddled to the slide, climbs up and > comes down. Whooopie. No smile, no change of expression. > "Isn’t he a good boy" Mom says – "not as wild and misbehaved as they > other kids – When he was 2 he used to hit me – Thanks to Ritalin he > does not do that any more. I made sure there were no problems at this > birthday party" She say proudly like someone who knows better "I just > gave him an extra dose before the party" > "Me too – me too" The other to zombies parents echo. > I felt getting angry – I bit my tongue – after all it was a birthday > party and a fight would not have been a good memory for the birthday > boy. > Before any of you call me a ritalin hater – I have no problem with > medications for a proper reason be the name of the meds whatever it > may be. I also am not an expert or have any statistics on how many of > those cases like this are in the world. All I have seen is 3 Zombies > at a birthday party. Sitting and walking around like in a C Movie > Horror flick "The invasion of the Ritalin Zombies" It could have been > titled. > I do not know how "bad" the kids were without meds and what the reason > for their misbehavior or traits that made it necessary for them to be > medicated. Not at all do I want to elevate me to the position of a > medical professional capable of making a determination and diagnosis > of what is best for a particular individual. I just have one question > to those parents and doctors. > "Is that the best you can do for those kids?" "Is there no other way > to handle their condition?" "How bad does bad have to be to warrant > this" > Well Folks – just venting and sharing

Wow. I would have been a little upset too.  Although, we dont know the actions of the child normally.  But Im surprised to hear a parent is "happy" seeing their child like a zombie.  Maybe, its a nice break from what they normally have to deal with.  I dont know.  But I do know, seeing my child like that wouldnt make me happy either. Mrs. P

Response:

<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I do not know how "bad" the kids were without meds and what the reason >for their misbehavior or traits that made it necessary for them to be >medicated. Not at all do I want to elevate me to the position of a >medical professional capable of making a determination and diagnosis >of what is best for a particular individual. I just have one question >to those parents and doctors. >"Is that the best you can do for those kids?" "Is there no other way >to handle their condition?" "How bad does bad have to be to warrant >this" >Well Folks – just venting and sharing >Free Spirit >DD(5) DS(8)

I agree to a point..I know personally one child who absolutely needed ritalin..even while on it he is still kind of high strung. But I have also seen kids who end up on it and it seems like all they needed was a little change with parenting instead. Parents like the ones I have seen..have no control at all over their kids whether they are on ritalin or not. I too wish there was another way..but for some cases..it is warranted and does work. Frannie

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wrotc: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yesterday we were at a birthday party – There were 7 kids and 3 > zombies.7 kids running around Burger King play place up and down the > slide and other play equipment laughing, screaming and having a ball > like 5-8 yo like to do. 3 zombies mostly sitting through the whole > affair stone faced with not cracking a smile or any emotional > expression > "Hey don’t you want to go on the slide" Obediently zombie #1 raises > from the seat and stone faced waddled to the slide, climbs up and > comes down. Whooopie. No smile, no change of expression. > "Isn’t he a good boy" Mom says – "not as wild and misbehaved as they > other kids – When he was 2 he used to hit me – Thanks to Ritalin he > does not do that any more. I made sure there were no problems at this > birthday party" She say proudly like someone who knows better "I just > gave him an extra dose before the party" > "Me too – me too" The other to zombies parents echo. > I felt getting angry – I bit my tongue – after all it was a birthday > party and a fight would not have been a good memory for the birthday > boy. > Before any of you call me a ritalin hater – I have no problem with > medications for a proper reason be the name of the meds whatever it > may be. I also am not an expert or have any statistics on how many of > those cases like this are in the world. All I have seen is 3 Zombies > at a birthday party. Sitting and walking around like in a C Movie > Horror flick "The invasion of the Ritalin Zombies" It could have been > titled. > I do not know how "bad" the kids were without meds and what the reason > for their misbehavior or traits that made it necessary for them to be > medicated. Not at all do I want to elevate me to the position of a > medical professional capable of making a determination and diagnosis > of what is best for a particular individual. I just have one question > to those parents and doctors. > "Is that the best you can do for those kids?" "Is there no other way > to handle their condition?" "How bad does bad have to be to warrant > this" > Well Folks – just venting and sharing >Wow. I would have been a little upset too.  Although, we dont know the >actions of the child normally.  But Im surprised to hear a parent is "happy" >seeing their child like a zombie.  Maybe, its a nice break from what they >normally have to deal with.  I dont know.  But I do know, seeing my child >like that wouldnt make me happy either. >Mrs. P

Well the one who is in my sons class I know closer I am friends with their neighbor too. Mom is an alcoholic never paid attention to the kid. Is getting support from the authorities (local CPS) for having a problem child. Kid is on meds since age 2 and mostly a zombie – now he is a good kid. Only sometimes when the pills wear off he kicks someone and then she takes him to the doctor and dutifully he ups the meds. Voiced my opinion there – but is useless. Free Spirit DD(5) DS(8)

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