ADHD IS NOT A MYTH

LAWRENCE M. Hinman's commentary (Perspective, Nov. 25) was sadly
misleading and offensive to parents of children with attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ADHD is not a myth. ADHD is a very real, extremely complex
neurobiological condition which profoundly affects a child's social,
emotional and academic performance.

Even though ADHD is not curable, it is treatable. Early identification
and appropriate treatment increases the likelihood of positive
long-term outcomes. Treatment includes appropriate medication,
classroom accommodations, structured behavior modification programs
and pro-social skills curriculums written for students with ADHD.

An estimated 90 percent of youths with ADHD, regardless of IQ, will
experience difficulties at school. The hallmark characteristics of the
disorder -- impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity -- are
qualities not tolerated in a traditional classroom.

Parents of children with ADHD should be able to ask their child's
physician about medication as part of the broad spectrum of treatment.
Responsible physicians will not write prescriptions for the treatment
of a child's inappropriate behavior on the whim of the parent, as
Hinman suggests.

Sensational articles describing Ritalin lead people to believe that it
is used to ``drug'' children. In fact, studies show that the use of
stimulants is safe and effective for children with ADHD (National
Institutes of Health, 2000). Research also shows that children with
ADHD are less likely to turn to substance abuse if they have received
proper medication.

Unfortunately, articles about ADHD usually focus on medications and
rarely report on the truly disabling nature of the condition, or the
painful and stressful reality of living with a child with ADHD.

Lynne Woodward,
Executive director and the board of directors.
Family Education Foundation, San Jose