Genetics isn't the sole cause, and drugs aren't the answer

Genetics isn't the sole cause, and drugs aren't the answer
EDITOR:
I found the article "Judge backs program for growing disorder" in Sunday's paper to be less than appealing and lacking accuracy in some of its information. First, the article blames the rise in attention deficit disorder solely on genetics. The statement "More children inherit ADHD from their parents than any other psychiatric disorder" is shortsighted. As if blaming bad genetics is in any way a step toward finding a solution. Parents do not need additional guilt about something none of us can control, our genetic make up.
According to the article ADHD is growing "exponentially;" therefore genetics alone cannot be solely responsible for the increase. The human race cannot mutate rapidly enough to cause such "exponential" growth in disorders such as ADHD. More than likely a realistic culprit(s) would be some outside factors. While genetics may play a part in one's predisposition for developing attention deficit disorder, other environmental factors are certainly involved. One needs to consider diet, lack of adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, vaccines, and other environmental insults as contributing factors in the rise of this problem.
ADHD is not the only childhood disorder on the rise. Autism, various speech and learning problems, and an assortment of behavior problems are also increasing at rates never seen before. We need to figure out why we are seeing more incidents of these problems and get to the source of the problem, and not simply mask the problems with medications that have questionable benefits and potentially serious side effects.
The "treatment" advocated in the article is actually quite problematic. Fifty-five years of research and over 9,000 research articles and reviews on Ritalin have shown at least one Ritalin expert and his team of researchers that the use of Ritalin in the treatment of children with ADD and ADHD may have actually contributed to their learning problems and criminal behavior. Most of the studies and research on Ritalin looked at boys who were taking Ritalin. Somehow this information has been manipulated to incorrectly credit Ritalin with altering children's behavior and learning in a positive way. In truth, it is not beneficial to most that take it.
Because Ritalin is a prescribed medication it is assumed to be safe and harmless, however, Ritalin has been reported to now be widely used as an illegal street drug. Due to either theft of the medication or prescribed users selling their meds, Ritalin is now contributing to the illegal drug abuse problem in this country.
ANDREA KELLER
Canfield
Crisis handled well
EDITOR:
As a parent of elementary students and as a resident of the Village of McDonald, I would like to commend the teachers and staff of Roosevelt School for their prompt, safe, and efficient handling of the emergency at the school on Feb. 1.
When several children were having difficulty breathing, the school was immediately evacuated and police, fire and EMTs were called.
The teachers and staff were professional and compassionate with the frightened students. Mrs. Jones, a second grade teacher, was observed comforting several children in her arms while still maintaining order within her class. Our superintendent, Mr. Wasser, quickly assesses the situation and made decisions based on the health and welfare of the students. Police, fire, and EMTs responded promptly and took charge of the medical procedures and suspected problems with the facility as they have been trained to do.
The Village of McDonald should take pride in and applaud all of those who attended to our youth during this emergency.
DENISE MILLER
McDonald