Don't forget all the antibiotics that are fed to the beef cattle we consume. I think that many people are sensitive to the chemicals/hormones/antibiotics that are found within our grocery store food supply. I have often wondered if the food we eat negatively impacts our health - both physically & mentally.

Insurance companies like to formulate and/or standardize treatments so that they can statistically estimate future costs etc. I agree that insurance companies really really want to code "customary and usual" treatment around every single visit to a health care provider. I think it is because they want to standardize everything so that they can manage cost - but sometimes I think they go too far and lose sight of the trees for the forest.. or something like that.

I don't know if ADHD is over identified or not. But I do know that schools gravitate towards that label because there is a magic pill that goes with that diagnosis.. which translates into "we don't have to deal with this behavior because medication will eliminate the behavior in the classroom". But what about the kids with annoying classroom behavior who are not ADHD and who do not have a magic pill that will make the behavior go away.

My son was a behavior challenge and there was and still isn't any medication that can "fix" or mask his symptoms. He has sensory integraion dysfunction, dyslexia, non-verbal learning disorder. My son is learning how to cope and manage his disabilities so that he can be all that he is capable of being. He has responded well to intervention strategies in the classroom that take into consideration his sensory system, his non-verbal learning issues, and the fact that he is dyslexic. I have, unfortunately, come into contact with some who have a very narrow opinion - very much like the person who wrote that letter to the editor. I have been told that behavior interventions within the classroom are ridiculus and are simply a way for bleeding heart liberals to excuse poorly parented bratts from behaving. I've been told that if only we could bring back corporal punishment within the schools.. you know, bring back the "good old days".. that would straighten out the little monsters. And if it didn't, then off to juvie for them. Or better yet, punish the parents for not doing a better job of disciplining ...

I try really hard to educate folks who say things like that. Sometimes, to my surprise, I am able to get the other person to consider a change of opinion. And I am glad when I can get another person to think a bit. I figure that the more those of us who have first hand knowledge that can speak out and try to educate the ignorant .. then perhaps as time goes by there will be more compassion out there in the world.

These issues are not made up. They are very real and many of us live with them every day. It is easy to say that there is an increase in autism only because it is being diagnosed more liberally and so there is no need to panic that there is an epidemic of autism out there. Until it is your child, your neice, nephew or grandchild who is diagnosed with autism. Then it is personal and you want research dollars to investigate because you know it is for real and not just an accounting trick within school districts to get more federal funding.

We have to stand up and speak out in the face of ignorance. Knowing that some will hear us and some will laugh at us. And some will retaliate or injure us, that is a fact. And so I say we have to stand up, but really only when we feel safe to do so. If your career is on the line.. it may not make sense to take a stand and share personal information in the hopes of educating someone. I try when it makes sense and am always thrilled when I've gotten someone to at least think about it. I am always impressed with folks who are so brave to share what they have personal experience with. I think they are very brave.