Matthew’s Story
When Matthew Smith was 7, he was having some difficulties in his first grade class. The school called in his parents and told them that they thought Matthew should be on Ritalin.
They were also told that if they refused to take Matthew to the doctor and get him on Ritalin, child protective services could charge them for neglecting his educational and emotional needs.
Intimidated and scared, they took Matthew to the pediatrician that the school recommended and walked out with a prescription for Ritalin.
Long story short – At the age of 14, Matthew’s Death Certificate read “Death caused from Long Term Use of Methylphenidate, Ritalin.”
Sorry about the loss of your son, but you have educated me on the decision I have to make for my daughter. The doctor prescribed my daughter aderall. Now I am looking for an alternative opition. I dropped the prescription off to the pharmacy, but will not pick it up after hearing Matthew’s story.
Thanks for your comment, Stefania
I cry every time I open this page and read Matthew’s story. It was nice to see your comment this morning, knowing that Matthew’s tragic story will make a difference in your daughter’s life.
I’ve let Matthew’s mother know about your post here. You can see the family’s website at http://www.RitalinDeath.com and hopefully get more information about alternatives to drugs.
I have a 6 year old daughter who is very “brilliant” so the teachers say but has some hard time sitting down in the classroom, they wanted me to take her to the pediatrician to get her assessed, so guess what?
I found and read the RitalinDeath website and I have made up my mind about any further decisions and since my daughter is learning they cannot push us to get her evaluated (this I have been told by our pediatrician).
She is a lovely lady and doesn’t think there is anything wrong with our child and she also suggests that we need to give time to our daughter. It is a shame that in these times we still have to deal with all this nonsense,
I am aware that some children really need those meds but not a the rate we are seeing, this is a generation X, thanks for sharing this video!!!