here is an ongoing debate and controversy on how to define ADHD, how to assess ADHD, how to determine if a child "truly" has ADHD and whether the child qualifies for special education services under IDEA or under other health impaired section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1993. This workshop will challenge the medical model's conceptualization of AD/HD as a medical problem that advocates medicating millions of children to get them to act appropriately. The workshop will take a very logical, and research oriented approach to dispel some of AD/HD's myths as well as present some of the major inherent legal, educational, social, economic, and ethical problems related to conceptualizing children's difficulties as ADHD.

MAIN POINTS TO BE DISCUSSED

1. There is no medical evidence to prove there is a biochemical imbalance or genetic cause for this disorder.
2. There is no agreed upon definition for this disorder.
3. There are no medical, educational or psychological tests or assessment instruments to reliably and validly diagnose this supposed medical condition.
4. The use and misuse of Ritalin, by country, state and zip code.
5. The unnecessary labeling of six to twelve million children as handicapped, and biochemically and genetically flawed.
6. The potential for over-representation of black males, other minorities and low socioeconomic children as having ADHD.
7. Some of the political and economic realities behind this label.
8. Some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the concept of ADHD

DEBATES

I have debated pro-ADHD advocates on numerous occasions at professional conferences and conventions. I am willing to debate any pro-ADHD advocate as long as:

• It has a structured format;
• There is enough time to present both sides and have questions and comments; and
• It stays focused on the scientific merits of the concept.

Contact me at:
23565 Via Paloma
Coto de Caza, CA 92679
(949) 858-7802
drmichaelvalentine@hotmail.com