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BBC

Unscrupulous parents seek ADHD diagnosis for benefits
Adrian Goldberg

Head teachers claim stimulants are being over-prescribed to young children, who they suspect are not sufferers of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They say unscrupulous parents of troubled youngsters are pushing for an ADHD diagnosis to claim disability benefits.

"Susan" has asked to remain anonymous, because she knows what she says is controversial and does not want to stigmatise the parents of every child with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The suspected false diagnoses that concern Susan mean children can end up on powerful drugs, such as Ritalin, even if they do not have ADHD.

"I think parents are very well aware of how the system works, in terms of obtaining the drugs for their children, and the monetary gains that they get through a diagnosis."

The suspected false diagnoses that concern Susan mean children can end up on powerful drugs, such as Ritalin, even if they do not have ADHD.

She told the 5 live Investigates programme: "Some parents will exaggerate what exactly is happening at home, particularly in terms of aggressive behaviour, violent behaviour, breaking furniture and so on, in order to get a care allowance."

"Sarah", another head teacher, also believes that some parents lie to medical professionals in order to get a diagnosis, and the chance to apply for extra benefits.

She told the 5 live Investigates programme: "Some parents will exaggerate what exactly is happening at home, particularly in terms of aggressive behaviour, violent behaviour, breaking furniture and so on, in order to get a care allowance." More More

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anonny commented on 12-Jan-2012 10:54 AM

It's all about money, isn't it?

Clara commented on 12-Jan-2012 11:35 AM

It really shouldn't be all about money! I know this sounds obvious. But we can't just accept it as inevitable fact. (OK, I know I'm preaching to the converted!)

Karen T commented on 15-Jan-2012 12:12 PM

It's good to learn the names of these online educational businesses. You see ads for them all over the place.

anon2 commented on 26-Oct-2011 11:35 AM

what the heck, let them cut ALL days of school

: ) commented on 23-Sep-2011 11:27 AM

Good, now we can start wasting time and resources on another equally misguided *reform*...

Karen T commented on 22-Jun-2011 09:33 PM

Thank you Clara for these more 'political' news items you post. It really is important to put the issues children face in a broader context. All kinds of things need to be fixed if the world is to be a better place for children.

TIR2SE commented on 23-Jun-2011 11:06 PM

All power to them all --- all those who suffer the effects of "austerity".

anon2 commented on 28-May-2011 12:14 AM

This is beyond ridiculous. Why should kindergarteners sit still any way? What happened to just leaving kids alone to grow up naturally?

Linda per se commented on 30-May-2011 10:03 PM

I tried to find out what the story is exactly on this bit of news. I couldn't really find anything. Anybody have an idea...??

Anonymous commented on 25-Mar-2011 09:04 PM

did this happen before the strikes or after?

Clara commented on 10-Mar-2011 04:01 PM

Teaching kids to become spies is bad enough but to give them the idea that spying is the only thing to do with learning a foreign language is really awful.

anonny commented on 10-Mar-2011 08:33 PM

great education, mates.

Anonymous commented on 13-Mar-2011 10:01 PM

This is really despicable. What the hell is the purpose of schools anyway?

Clara commented on 03-Mar-2011 10:31 AM

It's interesting how the word "free" is used so freely. I'm guilty of it myself with my own "free schooling"!

Anonymous commented on 04-Mar-2011 09:49 PM

Are these like the charter schools in US?

Clara commented on 09-Feb-2011 10:06 AM

Well, if they lie to get the benefits I hope they at least also lie and not give the kids the drugs!

Q commented on 09-Feb-2011 10:27 PM

Well, if diagnosis is a game why shouldn't everybody play the game? The drug companies are out to make money, so why shouldn't the victims make a little money too?

anonny commented on 03-Feb-2011 12:06 PM

Fear fear fear... Be afraid of your kids, be afraid of everything. On the other hand, there sure are things to fear...

City Mom commented on 04-Feb-2011 07:38 AM

As if if you find anything bad in your kid's pack there is anything you can really do. As if there was help for you or your kid. As if the senators or the police cared about you or your kid. As if, as if, as if...

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