SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST WRITES OF THE ABSURDITY OF TEACHERS “DIAGNOSING” CHILDREN ADHD/ADD
F @aol.com wrote: Dear Dr. Baughman: I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist who has been working in the schools for the past two years (most of my experience is with adults -- communication and swallowing probs secondary to CVAs, Dementia, Parkinson's, etc.). Though I had not conducted any research in ADHD prior to working in the schools, it didn't take long to see the absurdity of teachers "diagnosing" these kids. At Special Ed. meetings held to determine if a child should qualify for services, I've heard teachers say: "He doesn't have ADHD, he just has ADD." "I've only had to prescribe meds for a couple of kids the last couple of years." That a number of kids have this "disorder" is deemed axiomatic. It was so wonderful to discover your writings concerning one of the most profound issues facing our country. It was like "I knew it!" "I was right -- they don't know what they're doing!" It's just subjective nonsense and it would be laughable if it weren't for the harm done to the thousands of precious children. I'm sure you're extremely busy, but I'll take a chance and ask you a couple of questions. It will become increasingly difficult to attend Multidisciplinary Team meetings as I learn about the faulty thinking that results in kids qualifying for services - kids who clearly do not have a neurological problem (at the end of the school year, I was the sole vote against in such decisions). ...... Thank you so much for your important work. You have been a tremendous help to me. Sincerely, A K