Generation RX: Reading, Writing and Ritalin

Used in the treatment of nearly four million American children diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the prescription drug Ritalin is designed to help kids with a wide range of problem behaviors and learning disabilities in the classroom, ranging from difficulties in staying on task and being disruptive to struggles with basic core skills such as reading and writing. Generation RX: Reading, Writing and Ritalin, an episode from the Bill Kurtis-hosted A&E Investigative Reports series, tackles two fundamental questions: How do parents, educators and physicians tell the difference between a normal, restless child and one with ADHD? And, is ADHD a real disorder or the product of educators and physicians who simply want children to fit into society's mold? Combining commentary from parents, teachers and doctors with a few specific cases, this nicely balanced program looks at a situation where a child is incorrectly medicated (with bad results), an instance in which Ritalin definitely helps a young girl struggling with school, and a scenario in which a husband and wife avoid medication altogether in favor of a structured behavioral approach. Sure to be useful for parents needing information in order to make the right decision for their children, this is highly recommended as a complement to earlier titles such as Your Child and ADD/ADHD (VL-9/99). Aud: C, P. (S. Fisher)