Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)IntroductionThe current and appropriate role that the school system plays and should play in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder attention (TDA) will be discussed. My brother's experiences with ADD and my reviews of the following articles are used in the discussion. The very one-sided and sarcastic article "Immunize Your Child Against Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)" by Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD, found at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/8568/Baughman_MD_Immunize_against_ADD .htm, denies the existence of ADD, attempts to terrify parents, and gives advice on how to prevent a child from being diagnosed with ADD. An opposing view found on the Home Page for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (http://www.Chadd.org/act1-a.htm) affirms the existence of ADD and focuses on how this disability can be managed. Brother's Experiences: My eight-year-old brother Tom was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). A doctor finally made the diagnosis; however, his teachers seemed to have already made a decision before this diagnosis was actually made. Based on the teachers' "diagnosis", Tom was labeled as having ADD by both my mother and his classmates. Because of this label, the curriculum taught to Tom was changed to a lower level than his classmates. This change in plans happened without my mother's knowledge. Since the doctor's diagnosis, Mom has enrolled Tom in additional support classes which are helping him greatly. Although he is not at the standard of his class, he is quickly approaching it. In fact, he just received an E (excellent) in spelling on his report card and is very happy with himself. However, this E does not accurately reflect his abilities compared to his classmates. The teacher put him through a modified curriculum that was "below average" compared to other students' spelling and reading lists. We found out when both lists were returned to us by mistake. Mom was extremely discouraged, feeling that the teachers were undermining all the extra help Tom was receiving. This, along with other incidents that have occurred, makes me sympathize with the attitude in the article "Immunize Your Child Against Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)" by Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD. A review of this article follows: Review of: "Immunize your child against attention deficit disorder "Denial...... middle of paper ...... children must be very clear. A strict protocol and monitoring of this protocol should be applied. Such protocols should be put in place to protect the best interests of children. This being the objective, the appropriate role that the school plays in the treatment of ADD should be (at. my opinion): · Monitor certain teachers to see if they are “producing” a greater number of ADD children than the norm a “lazy” teacher to drug or remove problem children by labeling them with ADD · All. Student-specific change in curriculum should be discussed with parents · Examine the effectiveness of different teachers with ADD children (what works and what doesn't) · Involve parents as much as possible. of children with ADD If these protocols are added to the current role schools play in managing ADD, I believe the possibility of misuse of the ADD label would be minimal. In conclusion, I think that the current role of the school system in combating ADD is not bad and could easily be improved. For my brother's sake, I hope I am right.Bibliography)