to read
e-mail. The distinction is important because, unlike a private,
moderated
conference or mailing list, the discussions on ASAD are *very* public,
open to
whoever wants to participate.

The absence of a moderator does not reduce individual responsibility
for proper
conduct; just as one is expected to behave appropriately in the "real
world,"
there are expectations in newsgroups–particularly in ASAD.

We *hope* you’ll behave with courtesy, civility and compassion, just
as we are
sure you do in the real world, where we can see your face. Contrary to
what some
people profess to believe, there are real people behind the words on
the screen:
people who are dealing with real problems.

Support groups exist to provide a place for people to deal with a
problem or
condition–not to make them an easier target for derision. Our asking

you to
behave politely and compassionately does not comprise censorship.

6.  WHY DO SOME OF THE POSTS SEEM SO ANGRY?

ASAD was created by and for people with a keen interest in the topic
of dealing
with ADD–their own, and that of people they care about. Some may have
other
agendas, posting insulting and harassing messages, apparently for
their own
amusement at the expense of others. Others may deny the existence of

ADD,
instead blaming parents or teachers.

Some may claim (without evidence) that the medications commonly
prescribed for
ADD are addictive, dangerous, or that they are being "force fed" to
children as
a means of "chemical behavior control."

Sometimes they have products to sell–"ALL-NATURAL TREATMENT FOR
ADD!!!"  Others
may post from a belief that ADD is nothing more than a "fad diagnosis"

judgmental.

"How can I manage my child’s ADD?" is a simple request for
information.

"How can I avoid cramming these addictive narcotics like Ritalin down
my child’s
throat?" is really a statement–one that is likely to evoke a hostile
response.

Sometimes, there may be a kind of "spillover" effect. If there has
been an
argument with a troll or "salescritter" earlier, some participants may

still be
reacting to an excess of adrenaline, and have the newsgroup equivalent
of an
"itchy trigger finger." If you find yourself affected by this
"spillover," try
to keep in mind that you may not have done anything to "deserve" the
occasional
hostile reaction.

The same thing happens in The Real World(tm).

7.  I THINK THIS WHOLE ADD THING IS A BUNCH OF BALONEY!  WHY ARE YOU

   "A [unnamed] doctor at a leading hospital says…"
   "My neighbor’s sister says…"

On the contrary: those phrases may cause you to be branded an idiot.

8.  ISN’T ANYONE INTERESTED IN TALKING ABOUT ANYTHING BESIDES RITALIN
HERE?

Occasionally, someone claims that there is some sort of
"Pro-Medication Lobby"
of people who are interested only in taking drugs for ADD to the

ALL SO
DEFENSIVE?

Many ADD people have been wrestling with the ignorance of others all
their
lives.  If you post a message claiming that ADD is just a "myth" or an
"excuse,"
you should back up your statements with solid, documentable facts.  

Hint:  the following phrases are not considered "facts" or "proof:"
   "It’s just common sense."
   "Everybody knows."
   "I heard about an [unspecified] article that said…"

exclusion of
any other approaches.  They claim that anyone trying to discuss
non-pharmaceutical approaches will be attacked.

There have been heated discussions about some of the medications
commonly used
in the treatment and management of ADD. Many of these discussions have
started
with a statement like, "Ritalin is a dangerous drug that should not be
given to
children." People saying things like this (often in an effort to sell

"We are in the midst of an international epidemic. Those responsible for
investigating and dealing with this epidemic have failed.   Among the
reasons for this failure is the fact that they are faced with the prospect
that they themselves may be responsible for the epidemic. Therefore, in
their efforts to exonerate themselves they are an impediment to progress. I
believe that public health officials know there is a problem; they are,
however, willing to deny the problem and accept the loss of an unknown
number of children on the basis that the success of public health policy –
mandatory vaccination – by necessity involves sacrifice. Neither I, nor my
colleagues subscribe to the belief that any child is expendable. History has
encountered and dealt with such beliefs. You, the parent’s and children, are
the source of the inspiration and strength for our endeavours; our quest for
truth through science – a science that is compassionate, uncompromising and
uncompromised. I do not mean to stir you to mutiny, but be assured that
armed with this science it is in your power to force this issue, in your
pediatricians office, in Congress, in the Law Courts.  Keep faith with your
instincts – they have served you well."—Andy Wakefield (April 22, 2002
"POWER of ONE – IDEA" Rally, Washington DC)