I often think of this topic as I see students in my class drowzy and just "out of it". I was recently sitting in an IEP meeting listening to a parent explain that she basically pleaded with the child's doctor to up his dosage because at home this student wouldn't just sit and watch TV. The educators in the meeting all agreed that there was no need that we could see that the child need a higher dose of his medication, but the parent some how convinced the doctor to change the prescription, or the doctor may not have needed any convincing??? This child now sits in my class half asleep and doesn't interact as he did before. It is really hard to watch a slip away. I have seen medication work wonders on some students, but it seems like medication seems to be the answer very quickly nowadays. I am by far a doctor or educated on medications, but it is hard to see kids take steps back when they are being overmedicated.
New York Times Article
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3 comments:
That is sad, the Mom was probably too lazy or overwhelmed at home to deal with her son so got the doctor to drug him up.
There is such a fine line between over and under medicating kids. Finding that perfect dosage can take time and patience. It is so sad when kids lose their personality when they are medicated. The goal is for the kids to still be themselves while having the capability to focus on the task at hand. It is a huge responsibility.
As a school nurse that makes my skin crawl reading that. He wouldn't sit still to watch TV? Oh what a problem (sarcasm)...Many parents do not research these medications nor do the health care providers explain the side effects very well. And yes, not all, but there are doctors who will do what parents want them to, even if that means increasing amphetamine dosages for no good reason. Deb
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