For those who medicate | ADHD Information
What do you say to people who say, "I refuse to give my child speed!" -- This always hurts me. All I know is that my son does SO much better on meds.I say ignorance is not always bliss. It is not speed and the delivery system for these meds it totally different. There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who want to be right and those who want to be educated. If they are right fighters, ignore them and move forward with your child. For those who want to get educated on the subject, do your homework, know your subject and then share your wealth of information
Welcome to the board 
They are ignorant and uninformed about ADHD. If they do not have a child
who has ADHD, or have it themselves, then they will not understand (some
do, but I think you really have to experience it to truly understand it).
Take the opportunity to educate them and open their eyes to what ADHD
people struggle with.
I like the previous post as well.
People that make absolute statements like that generally have no idea what they're talking about! When these people say these things, are they saying them to you? to criticize you personally? or are they just making a general statement not realizing that you use medication?
I agree with the previous posters. Most of the time people are just blissfully ignorant. Ignorant because they obviously don't have children like ours. If they did, they wouldn't make such ridiculous comments! If you care what the person thinks then try to educate them. Most people just need their eyes opened. You'll probably find that most people just aren't worth taking the energy to correct!
or
give them a look full of pity, shake my head a little and stare at them until they are horribly uncomfortable.
You could try explaining that doctors don't prescribe speed, that stimulants are among the most heavily studied medications used in children, especially since most of the medication we give our kids for other things have never been studied in children, but like several others said, you may as well save your breath.
If the person saying it is someone who knows your child takes meds, than I think it's perfectly reasonable (even when not pms-ing) to say " you know, that's a really ignorant thing to say" and walk away.
I say, "I don't," and if they elevate it I say something along the lines of
"educate yourself you ignorant ____ - do you actually think I would do
something like that to my son?" I'm a big mama bear - everyone backs
down when I have my hackles up.
jaderock54, I like your style! I really like the pitying look idea.
Everyone I have told in my family or circle of friends has had the same reaction - one of disbelief that there is anything 'wrong' with my son, closely followed by a diatribe against the medical/educational establishment for not 'allowing kids to be kids.' They seem to think this will make me feel better. I seriously don't think they realize that this kind of statement is so demoralizing and insulting to a parent who has received this diagnosis for their child. They don't realize that a) they are painting us with the same brush as the establishment they feel is simply being lazy, and b)this kind of decision is never, ever made lightly. With varying levels of success, I do my best to forgive them their ignorance. My own favorite response if I'm not very successful is to congratulate the other person for not having had the need to ever educate him/herself about this disorder.
30 years ago, depression was viewed in much the same way. Well, still is by some I suppose. People like you, me, and our wonderful kids will eventually change the views of the majority. In the meantime, might I suggest the serenity prayer?
I would simply reply to that type of comment "if your child was diabetic would you withhold insulin?"
[QUOTE=marcie4164]I would simply reply to that type of comment "if your child was diabetic would you withhold insulin?"
I honestly feel it is no one's business. They do not understand, nor do they chose to. The do not care for you or your child.
I think they have a problem getting involved with a something that doesn't include them.
It also sounds gossipy, since they are not trying to help.
If it is a friend, well reconsider the friendship. If it is family, well we all know we can't pick them, I just ignore them.
You are surrounded with friends here. We are always available to chat, vent, offer opinions, etc.
I am glad that you have found this wonderful board!!
Well, you could try a flip, "Well, because it's cheaper than real meds!"...but that might result in a call to CAS! 
It would probably be just best to ignore it because they don't know what they're talking about and any sane explanation by you would just be lost on them anyways as they'll probably see it as justification on your part. Save your breath.
Aaah, justification...I get that one a LOT. I am not making excuses for my child's behavior, I am just trying to help others understand why they occur. But, I agree with Kelly H. Sometimes it is just easier to save my breath!!!
I have spent a lot of time trying to make sure that my aquaintances in my gossipy, competitive community understand that: (a) yes I know my child's behavior is unusual, and (b) yes I am getting expert intervention for it, in the faint hope that it halts the gossip about my kid.
I don't tell people that my son is on medication, though. It's impossible to put to words the stress my child is under at school, the miserable environment in our home, the hours I logged researching the effects of medication on children. It's impossible to put to words the agony I feel every time we try a new med and I wonder if he's going to be ok when he swallows it for the first time. Trying to help people understand is a waste of breath, as previous posters suggested.
I think that over time, as you see your son excel on the meds, you will develop an armor where these remarks no longer hurt you. In the mean time, come on here every time your spirits need lifting. The posters on this board do a great job of lifting each other up!