Jane Jarrow

Dale, While I agree that it is not our role to "require" medication for this population (and that there are some very legitimate reasons why students may choose not to take their meds), I think it is important to remember that the medication we are talking about is to help the students control their symptoms, NOT a "health" question in the traditional sense. Students with ADHD are not "sick" and do not need to be treated as being health impaired. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Kenneth, I would tend to agree, Kenneth, as long as we are careful to be communicating facts and not opinions. That has traditionally been the problem for students with disabilities. Folks have colored their facts with a heavy dose of skepticism! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Charles, Well said! The issue of unrealistic expectations is not limited to students with disabilities, nor is the solution to deal with the issue ONLY for students with disabilities (because their limits are more evident). I applaud your suggestion here. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Kenneth, I couldn't agree with you more. How ANY student chooses to use what he/she learns is a personal decision. And having the freedom to make those personal decisions is what "equal access" is all about. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Charles, It will be hard, again, before you are done, Charles. As the parent of a child with significant disabilities, I can tell you that you go through much the same angst every time he hits another milestone (hitting the teenage years, starting high school, getting ready to drive, etc.). But I can also tell you that I have been there -- and lived to tell about it -- and you will, too! Best of luck. Jane Jarrow

Michael, Having ongoing contact with someone whose stability is questionable can be a frightening experience. It sounds as though you have been doing an admirable job of trying to keep the student from over-reacting It would certainly seem to be appropriate for you to ask for some support from the institution in knowing how best to respond to the student. It is likely that if he is responding this way to YOU, he is demonstrating similar behavior in his actions throughout the institution. Look for help! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Timothy, You are right. Our job is to deal with the student before us, not to speculate on how they came to be there or what kinds of issues have brought them to this place. It is especially important for those of us who do not have training in mental health to keep away from speculation. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Joseph, I am glad that you found the resource useful and were encouraged to do your own research as a result. I am sure that your future students will be better served for your having taken the time to investigate further. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Steve, I agree. There are lots of circumstances that can lead to the same outward behaviors. Those of us who are not trained in the area, and who are not "treating" the student should stay away from making judgements about the "why" behind the behaviors we see. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Andy, Do you make judgements about the likelihood of success for students without disabilities, or do you let them take their chances if they meet the requirements for the program. Students with disabilities have been limited for many years because of other people's expectations. That is a big part of what the laws were meant to prevent. Being realistic about what the field is all about is always appropriate. Deciding FOR a student that the field is not for him/her is overstepping. Dr. Jane Jarrow