Ritalin: A Parent's Decision

A 12-year-old child was suspended from school when his mother refused to give him Ritalin. The family’s lawyer claims that the school board bullies parents into drugging their children. He says parents should have the right to refuse the controversial treatment.

According to Marlies Sudermann, adjunct psychology professor, the reason Ritalin is prescribed so often is “it’s profitable.” She added, “When we can’t teach children self-control in a positive way, some want to do it chemically.”

[From an article by Ian Denomme, “Child suspended for not taking Ritalin - Lawsuit raises issues over behavioural drugs”, April 5, 2006, The Gazette, University of Western Ontario, Canada]