[GovernmentShrinker]

It's also worth keeping in mind that significant funding for the "ADD doesn't exist" movement comes from Scientology, which is eager to sell alternative drug-free therapy programs, with the ultimate aim of sucking the whole family into Scientology.

This very complex issue is unfortunately being dominated by nutty extremists on both sides. There IS such a thing as ADD, and it IS being massively pseudo-diagnosed by adults who are lazy and/or stand to make a profit from either selling the drug or selling "special education" services".

[Houmatt]

If you can show that both Boortz and myself are in any way connected with Scientology, please do so.

But for your information, pal, I knew ADD was a sham from back when Michael Fay vandalized those cars in Singapore. The very first thing to come from the mouths of his parents?

Michael has ADD.

I can assure you, there is no ADD, ADHD or ODD that a good old fashioned spanking cannot fix.

Bet on it.

[LizardQueen]

I think that nutrition can help the genuine ADD cases out there. A coworkers son has been a continual problem for years, despite having really good (and tough) parents, counselors, doctors etc.

They tried Ritalin and it helped somewhat but they didn't want him to have to stay on it. They then tried adding EFAs (essential fatty acids - fish oil capsules) to his diet and he's gotten much better almost overnight.

Poor nutrition (too much junk, food additives and colorings, sugar) and not enough good stuff (EFAs, vitamins, minerals) can affect the brains functioning and should get a closer look.

LQ

[grapeape]

Thank you from a someone who has to deal with this rediculous condition as an Adult. Having to take medication just to be able to do something everone else does really sucks. What is worse is there is no readilly apparent (visible) sign, so fools can't SEE what is wrong. Having the Liberals on our side only hurts matters. Now I know how poor people feel. With friends like these.... Well you know.

[FourPeas]

This very complex issue is unfortunately being dominated by nutty extremists on both sides. There IS such a thing as ADD, and it IS being massively pseudo-diagnosed by adults who are lazy and/or stand to make a profit from either selling the drug or selling "special education" services".

Thank you for your intellegent, well-reasoned response.

[SauronOfMordor]

This very complex issue is unfortunately being dominated by nutty extremists on both sides. There IS such a thing as ADD, and it IS being massively pseudo-diagnosed by adults who are lazy and/or stand to make a profit from either selling the drug or selling "special education" services".

The local school tried to get us to Ritalinize my middle daughter. We took her out and homeschooled her instead. The problem instead turned out to be hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A change in diet (cutting out refined flour and sugar at breakfast time, and putting in lots of protein) worked wonders. I have a feeling that a decent number of kids diagnosed as ADD might just be the victims of bad diet