Ecosse ADDers

What We Have Been Up To

Radio Scotland Live Debate Wednesday 16th March 2005

Last week Ecosse ADDers was approached by Radio Scotland to take part in a debate on the increase in prescription rates of Ritalin in Scotland. After discussing with the researcher we agreed to take part. Then came the logistical complications! The show is broadcast from Inverness. I am based in Falkirk. Luckily Radio Scotland have a mobile studio set up in a local High School so I was able to go there. It was an interesting and valuable experience for me. The studio was run by two sixth year pupils who did a great job of making me feel welcome and tried to put me at ease. Up until the night before I had no idea who else would be taking part in this debate. On the show was Janice Hill from Overload and Dr Ken Aitken who is a clinical neuropsychologist. It was a lively and interesting debate. All of us agree that the rate of prescribing Methylphenidate needs to be closely looked at. We just didn't agree why!

Hopefully Ecosse ADDers has managed to put a positive slant on to ADHD diagnosis. Our aim is to raise awareness of ADHD in a positive manner rather than to add to the scaremongering that is already out there. None of us want our kids to take any medications but when it works we can see the child benefiting and all we, as parents want, is what is best for our child. I hope I managed to refute the claims that ADHD diagnosis is easy!! I also think I managed to get across the fact that a diagnosis of ADHD with or without co morbids does not automatically qualify us for DLA!

I was amazed that people can actually think that way! I hadn't quite realised the level of ignorance the public continue to have over our children's problems.

I have a feeling that we have a long hard slog ahead of us if we are to achieve our objective in educating the public.

To hear the recording of this debate click here

Ecosse ADDers

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