Better Learning Through Chemistry

Still, McCormick admits that her resolve to stay away from Ritalin is weakening. "I've had a couple of parents I really trust say it has helped them. The diet will take months before we see the full effect and it will have to be constant to really work. The Ritalin is instant. So yeah, the pressure is there; I have another consultation with the physician at the end of this week that I'm really dreading. Maybe he will say we're OK the way we're going, but maybe he won't. If not, my husband and I have talked about trying her on Ritalin for two weeks without telling the school and seeing if they notice a difference. My first instinct is still no drugs. Maybe we'll try them and they won't work; that happens with some kids. That would be the best thing that could happen." CP

News intern Mary Ellen Egan contributed research to this article.