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The Diseasing of America's Children: Exposing the ADHD Fiasco and Empowering Parents to Take Back Control
How parents, teachers, and even professionals are being deceived by the "ADHD Establishment" regarding ADHD and other childhood behavior disorders and the drugs used to treat them. The issue of diagnosing children with behavioral diseases that do not conform to a scientific definition of disease, and then medicating them is a scandal ready to erupt. In The Diseasing of America's Children , popular family psychologist, speaker, and best-selling author John Rosemond joins with pediatrician Dr. Bose Ravenel to uncover the fiction and fallacy behind attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), early-onset biopolar disorder (EOBD), and the drugs prescribed to treat them. Rosemond and Ravenel
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2008
About the author
John Rosemond
52 books74 followersJohn Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of family psychology. In 1971, John earned his masters in psychology from Western Illinois University and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. In 1999, his alma mater conferred upon John the Distinguished Alumni Award, given only once per year. Upon acceptance, he gave the commencement address.
From 1971-1979, he worked as a psychologist in Illinois and North Carolina and directed several mental-health programs for children.
From 1980-1990. John was in full-time practice as a family psychologist with Piedmont Psychological Associates in Gastonia.
Presently, his time is devoted to speaking and writing. John is syndicated in approximately 225 newspapers nationwide. He has written eleven best-selling parenting books. He is also one of America’s busiest and most popular speakers and most certainly the busiest and most popular in his field. He’s known for his sound advice, humor and easy, relaxed, engaging style.
In the past few years, John has appeared on numerous national television programs including 20/20, Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, CNN, and CBS Later Today, as well as numerous print interviews.
All of his professional accomplishments aside, John is quick to remind folks that his real qualifications are that he’s been married to the same woman for over forty years, is the father of two successful adults, and the grandfather of seven children…make that seven well-behaved grandchildren.
From 1971-1979, he worked as a psychologist in Illinois and North Carolina and directed several mental-health programs for children.
From 1980-1990. John was in full-time practice as a family psychologist with Piedmont Psychological Associates in Gastonia.
Presently, his time is devoted to speaking and writing. John is syndicated in approximately 225 newspapers nationwide. He has written eleven best-selling parenting books. He is also one of America’s busiest and most popular speakers and most certainly the busiest and most popular in his field. He’s known for his sound advice, humor and easy, relaxed, engaging style.
In the past few years, John has appeared on numerous national television programs including 20/20, Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, CNN, and CBS Later Today, as well as numerous print interviews.
All of his professional accomplishments aside, John is quick to remind folks that his real qualifications are that he’s been married to the same woman for over forty years, is the father of two successful adults, and the grandfather of seven children…make that seven well-behaved grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 11, 2024
DO DISRUPTIVE CHILDREN HAVE A 'DISORDER," OR ARE THEY JUST "SPOILED BRATS"?
John Rosemond is a Christian family psychologist and Dr. Bode Ravenal a Christian pediatrician. They begin this 2008 book with the statement, "We've written this book to expose what we feel is a travesty of science that is causing harm to children. We've written this book to empower parents to take back control of their children by recognizing the misinformation they have been given and disentangling themselves from a medical-mental health-pharmaceutical behemoth that is selling diseases that have no objective reality. But more than anything, we've written this book in the hopes it will begin a creative dialogue that will advance the state of child psychology, child psychiatry, and pediatric medicine." (Pg. xii)
They assert, "The ADHD Establishment says ADHD is a physical disease, but no one in the establishment is looking for a cure. Actually, the only cure for a disease that does not exist is to discredit the disease-mongering. That is our purpose in this book." (Pg. xv)
They ask, "But is ADHD a 'disorder'? Does its nomenclature accurately reflect that there is something amiss with the children in question, that... they can't 'think straight,' and thus their behavior is often chaotically disorganized? Or is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder simply a more scientific-sounding way of referring to what, not so long ago, people simply called a spoiled brat?" (Pg. 4-5)
They argue, "The genetic explanation absolves both parents and child of any and all responsibility for the problem. The therapist may even tell the parents that nothing they could have done would have changed the trajectory of the child's life. This explanation, however unscientific, instantly alters the parent-child dynamic. The child, up to this point a source of great frustration ... becomes a victim. He cannot help the way he behaves. The genetic explanation effects almost instantaneous changes in how the parents view the child and respond, therefore, to his misbehavior. Frustration is replaced with compassion." (Pg. 74)
They admit, "it must be said that most children taking the drugs in question, under proper medical supervision, will not experience any of the possible reactions noted above and any bad side effects at all. Nonetheless, after a careful and thorough review of the evidence, we have come to the conclusion that ADHD stimulants pose a certain degree... of potential physical, emotional, behavioral, and social risks to children." (Pg. 102)
They point out the negative effects of television-watching on children (Pg. 123), and observe, "The postmodern, nontheistic religion of self-esteem has spawned a host of problems for America's children, many of which---low tolerance for frustration, demands for instant gratification, lack of respect for interpersonal boundaries, violent outbursts when denied, disrespect of authority, and mood swings from elation... to depression... connect directly to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, ODD, and EOBD." (Pg. 156)
They conclude, "the 'symptoms' comprising ADHD, ODD, and EOBD are nothing more than a laundry list of typical toddler behavior. In a child between eighteen and thirty-six months, they are called the 'terrible twos.' In a child who has passed his or her third birthday they are indications that toddlerhood has not been resolved and are therefore more accurately termed 'toddlerhood in perpetuity' (TIP). Although the TIP child certainly will create disorder, he has no disorder---there's nothing 'wrong' with him. Rather, he's in grave danger of becoming what people once called a spoiled brat." (Pg. 161)
This book will mostly interest Christian parents, of course, but also other parents who have their "doubts" about a diagnosis of ADHD, EOBD, etc., that have been placed on their child.
John Rosemond is a Christian family psychologist and Dr. Bode Ravenal a Christian pediatrician. They begin this 2008 book with the statement, "We've written this book to expose what we feel is a travesty of science that is causing harm to children. We've written this book to empower parents to take back control of their children by recognizing the misinformation they have been given and disentangling themselves from a medical-mental health-pharmaceutical behemoth that is selling diseases that have no objective reality. But more than anything, we've written this book in the hopes it will begin a creative dialogue that will advance the state of child psychology, child psychiatry, and pediatric medicine." (Pg. xii)
They assert, "The ADHD Establishment says ADHD is a physical disease, but no one in the establishment is looking for a cure. Actually, the only cure for a disease that does not exist is to discredit the disease-mongering. That is our purpose in this book." (Pg. xv)
They ask, "But is ADHD a 'disorder'? Does its nomenclature accurately reflect that there is something amiss with the children in question, that... they can't 'think straight,' and thus their behavior is often chaotically disorganized? Or is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder simply a more scientific-sounding way of referring to what, not so long ago, people simply called a spoiled brat?" (Pg. 4-5)
They argue, "The genetic explanation absolves both parents and child of any and all responsibility for the problem. The therapist may even tell the parents that nothing they could have done would have changed the trajectory of the child's life. This explanation, however unscientific, instantly alters the parent-child dynamic. The child, up to this point a source of great frustration ... becomes a victim. He cannot help the way he behaves. The genetic explanation effects almost instantaneous changes in how the parents view the child and respond, therefore, to his misbehavior. Frustration is replaced with compassion." (Pg. 74)
They admit, "it must be said that most children taking the drugs in question, under proper medical supervision, will not experience any of the possible reactions noted above and any bad side effects at all. Nonetheless, after a careful and thorough review of the evidence, we have come to the conclusion that ADHD stimulants pose a certain degree... of potential physical, emotional, behavioral, and social risks to children." (Pg. 102)
They point out the negative effects of television-watching on children (Pg. 123), and observe, "The postmodern, nontheistic religion of self-esteem has spawned a host of problems for America's children, many of which---low tolerance for frustration, demands for instant gratification, lack of respect for interpersonal boundaries, violent outbursts when denied, disrespect of authority, and mood swings from elation... to depression... connect directly to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, ODD, and EOBD." (Pg. 156)
They conclude, "the 'symptoms' comprising ADHD, ODD, and EOBD are nothing more than a laundry list of typical toddler behavior. In a child between eighteen and thirty-six months, they are called the 'terrible twos.' In a child who has passed his or her third birthday they are indications that toddlerhood has not been resolved and are therefore more accurately termed 'toddlerhood in perpetuity' (TIP). Although the TIP child certainly will create disorder, he has no disorder---there's nothing 'wrong' with him. Rather, he's in grave danger of becoming what people once called a spoiled brat." (Pg. 161)
This book will mostly interest Christian parents, of course, but also other parents who have their "doubts" about a diagnosis of ADHD, EOBD, etc., that have been placed on their child.
April 3, 2020
It all makes sense
I have been dealing with an add diagnosed child. She is now in herbivorous. My grandson was diagnosed with it. I have read Dr. Rosemont books before
I agree medication is not the answer. It is only masking the real issue. Child wants controlling. I don't like the medication idea. Been there done that. My grandsons pediatrician and I came to the samevconclusion, because of certain circumstances he was not add. This book proves educate yourself and discpline work way better then medication.
I have been dealing with an add diagnosed child. She is now in herbivorous. My grandson was diagnosed with it. I have read Dr. Rosemont books before
I agree medication is not the answer. It is only masking the real issue. Child wants controlling. I don't like the medication idea. Been there done that. My grandsons pediatrician and I came to the samevconclusion, because of certain circumstances he was not add. This book proves educate yourself and discpline work way better then medication.
May 25, 2017
Exposes ADHD as the myth that it is. Great read.
October 15, 2019
This book is a must read for parents and grandparents. Our children are being medicated at young ages and it's having unintended consequences.
April 5, 2013
Long-time readers may recall that I had a daughter tested for ADHD a while back. Turns out, she doesn't officially "have it," but the topic is fascinating to me in many regards. What causes such a "diagnosis?" How is the diagnosis made? How is it that so many kids apparently have ADHD, ODD, autism, etc., when there were almost no kids having these disorders 50 years ago?
In typical rabble-rousing fashion, John Rosemond (the book seems to be 95% written by him) takes on these questions in "The Diseasing of America's Children: Exposing the ADHD Fiasco and Empowering Parents to Take Back Control." Rosemond is famously common-sense and "old school," and he basically believes ADHD is a concoction of the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies in order to make money. I agree with him probably 75%.
Rosemond brings up several things that troubled me about ADHD diagnosis. For one thing, there is no definitive test to tell whether or not one "has" ADHD or not. Rather, the diagnosis is largely made from questionnaires asking whether behaviors are noticed "often," etc. What is "often?" Mightn't this differ from one person's perspective to another?
He also questions the oft-repeated assertion from psychologists and doctors that ADHD is a problem with "brain chemistry" which medication can fix. Rosemond contends that "brain chemistry," whatever that actually means, can't be measured. But, it sure sounds encouraging to a parent who is searching for a quick answer for their child.
Rosemond also takes on the assertion that ADHD stimulant medications "slow a child with ADHD down, but they speed up a 'regular' person." Rosemond says that, in the dosages given for ADHD, these stimulants would help anyone focus - not just those with ADHD. He contends that these medications only "speed up" people who are taking high, illegal-level doses. Interesting ...
I was reminded while reading this book of a recent George Will column I read. Will references a novel by Peter De Vries, in which De Vries decries America's tendency to "medicalize character flaws." This really struck a chord with me: perhaps our relative affluence has led to many medical diagnoses which would have been dealt with and lived with in the past.
I found this book fascinating in its counter-culture approach.
In typical rabble-rousing fashion, John Rosemond (the book seems to be 95% written by him) takes on these questions in "The Diseasing of America's Children: Exposing the ADHD Fiasco and Empowering Parents to Take Back Control." Rosemond is famously common-sense and "old school," and he basically believes ADHD is a concoction of the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies in order to make money. I agree with him probably 75%.
Rosemond brings up several things that troubled me about ADHD diagnosis. For one thing, there is no definitive test to tell whether or not one "has" ADHD or not. Rather, the diagnosis is largely made from questionnaires asking whether behaviors are noticed "often," etc. What is "often?" Mightn't this differ from one person's perspective to another?
He also questions the oft-repeated assertion from psychologists and doctors that ADHD is a problem with "brain chemistry" which medication can fix. Rosemond contends that "brain chemistry," whatever that actually means, can't be measured. But, it sure sounds encouraging to a parent who is searching for a quick answer for their child.
Rosemond also takes on the assertion that ADHD stimulant medications "slow a child with ADHD down, but they speed up a 'regular' person." Rosemond says that, in the dosages given for ADHD, these stimulants would help anyone focus - not just those with ADHD. He contends that these medications only "speed up" people who are taking high, illegal-level doses. Interesting ...
I was reminded while reading this book of a recent George Will column I read. Will references a novel by Peter De Vries, in which De Vries decries America's tendency to "medicalize character flaws." This really struck a chord with me: perhaps our relative affluence has led to many medical diagnoses which would have been dealt with and lived with in the past.
I found this book fascinating in its counter-culture approach.
July 24, 2011
If your child or the child of someone you know is said to have ADHD, ODD, or EOBD read this book. Rosemond and Ravenel persuasively argue that the "science" behind ADHD and other childhood behavioral disorders is not scientific: "Neither verifiable objective evidence nor replicable experimental results exist to support the claims of the ADHD Establishment." (p. xi)
Their belief is that childhood behavior disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and early onset bipolar disorder (EOBD) are actually manifestations of "dysfunctions of discipline and lifestyle that are endemic to today's family culture." (p. 189) They argue that behaviors that have been traditionally seen as typical of early childhood, matters of individual or gender difference, or the result of poor discipline are being redefined by the mental health establishment as "disorders." Unruly, defiant children are ODD; "terrible" two-year-olds who are denied their self-centered demands and go ballistic have EOBD. Active, distractible boys and girls are labeled with ADHD. Shy, withdrawn children who avoid certain social situations are diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, Asperger's syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Expensive medications of some sort are the usual solution for these so-called disorders. Money seems to be the driving force in the ADHD, childhood disorder marketplace.
In easy to understand language, Rosemond and Ravenel review the historical origins of childhood behavioral disorders and the implications such widespread diagnoses have for the future. They effectively challenge the wide-spread acceptance that such disorders are due to a biochemical imbalance or an inherited biological problem. In doing so, they review the scientific literature for and against the biochemical imbalance hypothesis; demonstrating that the "science" behind ADHD and other childhood disorders is often based upon flimsy evidence and in some cases, "downright bad science." If you want more than what they offer you here, there is a wealth of endnotes, with many online citations for further reading on your own.
Their belief is that childhood behavior disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and early onset bipolar disorder (EOBD) are actually manifestations of "dysfunctions of discipline and lifestyle that are endemic to today's family culture." (p. 189) They argue that behaviors that have been traditionally seen as typical of early childhood, matters of individual or gender difference, or the result of poor discipline are being redefined by the mental health establishment as "disorders." Unruly, defiant children are ODD; "terrible" two-year-olds who are denied their self-centered demands and go ballistic have EOBD. Active, distractible boys and girls are labeled with ADHD. Shy, withdrawn children who avoid certain social situations are diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, Asperger's syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Expensive medications of some sort are the usual solution for these so-called disorders. Money seems to be the driving force in the ADHD, childhood disorder marketplace.
In easy to understand language, Rosemond and Ravenel review the historical origins of childhood behavioral disorders and the implications such widespread diagnoses have for the future. They effectively challenge the wide-spread acceptance that such disorders are due to a biochemical imbalance or an inherited biological problem. In doing so, they review the scientific literature for and against the biochemical imbalance hypothesis; demonstrating that the "science" behind ADHD and other childhood disorders is often based upon flimsy evidence and in some cases, "downright bad science." If you want more than what they offer you here, there is a wealth of endnotes, with many online citations for further reading on your own.
November 8, 2016
I thought this was eye-opening in a lot of ways and highly controversial as we are seeing an epidemic of children being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Anyone who has children, works with children or is in the business of diagnosing children should read this book. It asks a lot of questions and challenges its reader to ask them as well. I welcome books like this as I'm tired of just accepting what a doctor says as Gospel and expected, in many cases, to go with that just b/c they have a bunch of initials after their name. I especially recommend reading the chapter towards the end of the book- Chapter 9: Nipping ADHD in the bud as it will empower you as a parent, to take control of your children back!
I picked this up because I've always admired his traditional approach to parenting- a combination of common sense and "What would Grandma say/do". I have family members who are "diagnosed" with ADHD and wonder if they'll always be medicated. I've also grappled with my own children's behavioral issues and have come to the conclusion that a lot of it is based in what we do or do not do as parents (see chapter 9!). John gave me some food for thought. I didn't get to finish the last chapter but will pick it up again at the library.
I picked this up because I've always admired his traditional approach to parenting- a combination of common sense and "What would Grandma say/do". I have family members who are "diagnosed" with ADHD and wonder if they'll always be medicated. I've also grappled with my own children's behavioral issues and have come to the conclusion that a lot of it is based in what we do or do not do as parents (see chapter 9!). John gave me some food for thought. I didn't get to finish the last chapter but will pick it up again at the library.
March 3, 2014
This book was quite eye-opening. It is hard to believe on one level, but so well-documented with lots of footnotes so that the sources can be looked up and verified. The writing style is a little over-the-top (so I would give it 4 stars), but I believe this is a book most parents, educators, social workers, and others who are work with children will want to at least skim. (It's so important, I think, that I'm giving it a full five stars.) The science and the logic are both sound, and in the end, given human nature, it's very believable.
I also like that the authors don't leave readers hopeless about a tragic mess, but rather offer practical, effective alternatives.
I also like that the authors don't leave readers hopeless about a tragic mess, but rather offer practical, effective alternatives.
November 12, 2018
It's so easy to dismiss ADHD, despite the science that clearly demonstrates differences in the neurological development of those with carefully diagnosed attention/executive functioning difficulties. Of course there is misdiagnosis, but that does not negate the disorder.
The sad thing about books like these is that it blames one entity or the other, yet does not address the fact that there is a public health issue at hand. Those with ADHD are more likely to have associated issues that lead to significant differences in life expectancy.
The sad thing about books like these is that it blames one entity or the other, yet does not address the fact that there is a public health issue at hand. Those with ADHD are more likely to have associated issues that lead to significant differences in life expectancy.
March 3, 2016
This book is the goods! The authors rather wearily point out everything that is wrong with the dumb concepts of ADD, ADHD, pediatric Bipolar Disorder and ODD, as well as debunking the popular thinking on where they come from and what to do about them. Full of research findings that support the contentions of the book, but also full of commonsense observations like the one about how before permissive child-reariong, there was no such frikkin' thing as ADD. The take-home message is "STOP PSYCHOANALYZING YOUR KIDS AND DISCIPLINE THEM, ALREADY."
December 13, 2009
Highly recommend this! Essential information for parents to learn about the myths and misinformation being fed to public about ADHD and other "created" illnesses. Effects of parenting, education, electronic media, nutrition on our children in America - we need to get back to the basics! Very enlightening and empowering. Local dr. is one of authors and very highly regarded.
March 18, 2011
This book was not written to make anyone feel comfortable. So if you're not ready to question the status quo, hear the truth about childrearing practices you hold dear, or make dramatic changes in how you think about your family, then don't bother picking this book up.
Want to Read
January 22, 2012Excellent read so far. I heard him speak at my annual Academy meeting last month in NYC and Rosemond had some really interesting and controversial things to say about ADHD. This is a great read and important for me in my daily practice in working with children.
January 6, 2014
I skimmed this book but I liked everything I read.
January 11, 2019
Excellent. Can't say it enough.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews