From K Dyson.
I WRITE in response to Anna Plunkett-Cole’s article on school milk or bananas (JEP, 21 June).

While I can understand her point that ‘children are not getting what they need at home’, I do think it is unfair to link this argument to the prescribed drug Ritalin.

Ritalin belongs to a group of drugs called methylphenidates and is used to treat the neurobehaviour developmental disorder known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is believed that ADHD is caused by either a lower level or an imbalance of chemicals called neurotransmitters.

These medications do not teach new behaviours but improve concentration, so that a person with ADHD has the chance to focus on learning new skills or improving behaviour.

My eight-year-old son is autistic. He has Asperger’s Syndrome and also the co-morbid of ADHD. I know there will always be people who believe that ADHD is down to bad parenting and poor nutrition. I can probably never change these people’s views. However, I think that when this misinformed view is in print, and perpetrating this commonly held belief, it should be challenged.

My son lives in a loving and supportive home within an extended family in Jersey. He was breast-fed and then weaned on home-made food. He continues to have a healthy diet. With the support of the fantastic staff of the Communications Support Centre at Rouge Bouillon School, he is making tremendous progress.

I do not see any of the things alluded to by Ms Plunkett-Cole present in his upbringing. However, without medication, his behaviour can be extremely difficult and challenging, far outside the boundaries of what may be considered normal.

I am not an expert on ADHD, but clearly neither is Ms Plunkett-Cole. If journalists want to link their thoughts to medications and associated conditions, it is essential that they establish the facts first.
5 La Pepinière,
Route du Boulay,
Trinity.