Is just a label that describes the way a child is in todays society. Just because we can give drugs to calm a child down, does not mean that they do not carry side-effects. These drugs are the equivalent to anti-depressants that we have as adults and are chemical altering. They do not solve the problem and children cannot be on them forever. The solution is to treat the cause, not mask it. When they introuced the reward scheme for Ashley, it involved them seeing all the "good" things he does and seising on the opportunity to present him with a certificate. They made them up specially and they had fancy glowing stickers on them. If he had undesirable behaviour he was to sit in a room by himself. The teacher gave him a small box to decorate as he pleased and that was his problem box where he wrote his problems as they occured and posted them. The teacher would empty the box at regular intervals during the day. This in addition to praise at home and addressing his hormone problem worked within two weeks! They do not send home certificates now, but he has learned a pattern of behaviour and the praises are now just verbal. Think about the label they are putting on your child; "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" I often think "Attention Deficit" is what we can all be a little guilty of this sometimes. To cure "Attention Deficit" it needs enormous "Attention Deposit" and that is hard initially, but pays off dividends. It is a little more complicating than just shoving a pill or suspension down a childs neck and hoping that it will help them do their school work better. It is better for their self esteem also less hassle were side effects and unknown effects of a drug is concerned.