In February, 12-year-old Daniel began displaying some symptoms that his father suspected were related to the use of Ritalin.

"He was losing weight, wasn't sleeping, wasn't eating," Taylor told ABC News affiliate KOAT-TV in New Mexico. "[He] just wasn't Daniel."

So Taylor took Daniel off Ritalin, against his doctor's wishes. And though Taylor noticed Daniel was sleeping better and his appetite had returned, his teachers complained about the return of his disruptive behavior. Daniel seemed unable to sit still and was inattentive. His teachers ultimately learned that he was no longer taking Ritalin.

School officials reported Daniel's parents to New Mexico's Department of Children, Youth and Families.Then a detective and social worker made a home visit. "The detective told me if I did not medicate my son, I would be arrested for child abuse and neglect," Taylor said.

There seems to be a movement afoot to substantiate that refusing to follow a doctor's order is a crime. The last I checked, the whole profession is stilled called medical practice. The simple solution for Taylor in this case is to go to about two or three other doctors who will order him not to give his son Ritalin. Case fucking closed, asshats.

1. Renee06/15/2004 03:33:13 PM
Homepage: http://www.nsrecovery.com

Take Daniel to the principals office with a hand held video game and a watch. Ask the principal to time Daniels Attention Span for you and let you know how long Daniel can pay attention. Then just sit back and watch. I am a firm believer that most of these kids on ritalin are simply bored children. Remember in the old days when we played outside until dinner was ready and then begged to go back out after dinner too? Kids these days sit inside (or in day care) and get worn out very seldom. The public schools are teaching to the lowest common denominator in the classroom and then they wonder why all the other kids 'can't sit still.'

Just my Opinion,
Renee