Medication & the school

Anonymous

In the school's news letter, that my children attend, the Principle published an article,  along with photocopies  from the 'Herald Sun' and 'The Age' news papers under the title;

'PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:'

'ADD/ADHD:' 

"The incidence of these two conditions is increasing amongst your children. Naturally this is of concern to us all. There is debate in the medical quarters over the level of diagnosis of these undoubtedly do exist, concern is expressed over the increasing numbers of children who are under regular medication. A recent article addressed this concern and a copy of the article is attached to the newsletter.

Also on the topic of ADD/ADHD, an earlier article in "the Age' last November reported research evidence that linked smoking to the incidence of these conditions. This article is also attached to the newsletter for your information."

When I read this I was fuming to say the least... That a Principle using his position and the school's facilities nominally the newsletter to air his personal beliefs and trying to substantiate it by using an article  write by ADAMZWAR in the 'Herald Sun'. The article ADAMZWAR wrote, was based on a British Medical Journal written by Dr Goodman.

As a typical ADHD adult, I spent all night writing a letter to that Principal. The next day I rang a psychologist friend to ask for some facts to help support my stance. After which we went to Monash University and there got a copy of the British Medical Journal written by Dr Goodman, in which he wrote the total opposite to what was written in the 'Herald Sun'.

So along with a letter I wrote and a copy of the journal, the Principal gracefully printed;

"The article provoked discussion and response" plus "providing a more expansive and contextual discussion of ADD/ADHD" and then "The complete article is published as an attachment to this newsletter"

My wife and I spend a lot of time promoting the benefits and disadvantages of AD/HD to our children, we don't need people going of half cock with their unsubstantiated thoughts, especially those in a position of influence.