As a parent, grandparent or teacher, there are many things you can do to help prevent a child from being falsely labeled as disordered and drugged:

1. Undiagnosed, untreated physical conditions can often manifest as a psychiatric symptom; adverse reactions to common prescription drugs can also create unwanted behavior. Even a popular medication for treating acne was found to be precipitating episodes of depression and suicide among teenagers using it.

2. Take your child to a competent doctor of environmental medicine and have him or her properly tested for allergies and toxins. There are also many books that provide alternative, safe and drug-free ways of dealing with behavioral problems through diet, nutrition, activity and discipline. Sound medical attention, good nutrition, a healthy, safe environment and activity that promotes confidence will do far more for a troubled child than the brutality of repeated drugging and other psychiatric abuses.

3. You have rights. Ensure that your childs school knows that you do not give your permission for him/her to fill out any psychological questionnaire or test in the classroom. Remember, the information gathered from these questionnaires can be used to diagnose the child as learning disabled or at risk and your child could be sent to a school psychologist or psychiatrist who might recommend (and try to enforce) putting him/her on a drug.

4. Speak with your childs teacher and ensure that the Whole Word education method is eliminated from your childs education and that he or she has access to and uses phonics in class. Also, let the teacher know that you want your child to fully understand words, using a simple dictionary. It is also important that your child has lots of drawings, photos or diagrams of the subject matter he/she is studying.

5. Studies show that tutoring leads to improvements in academic outcomes. If your child is not learning, is behind in school, doesn't enjoy his or her classes, or can't seem to concentrate, find a competent tutor who gets results.

6. If a child is struggling in class, he may also be very creative or highly intelligent and in need of greater stimulation. Acknowledge the childs ability and provide them with opportunities to do well, Dr. Block advises.

7. If your child has been prescribed a psychiatric drug, ensure that you fully understand all of its side effects. Remember, these are mind- and mood-altering drugsthey change a persons attitude and mood towards others and life situations.

8. If your child is taking a prescribed, psychiatric drug, do not take him/her off the drug without medical guidance. An individual should only come off them with proper, non-psychiatric medical monitoring.

In Pennsylvania, a panel of experts chaired by CCHR U.S. President Bruce Wiseman (center) heard testimony from parents and teachers about labeling and drugging schoolchildren.

9. File a complaint with CCHR International (see abuse reporting form on this site) concerning any abuse that your child has suffered. CCHR can refer you to a local CCHR representative who may be able to help you.

10. Start or join a parents group to provide support for each other, and begin to speak out about the wrongful labeling and drugging of our children; CCHR can assist you.

And a final word of advice from Dr. Fred Baughman: Anyone contending that your child has a brain disease and should or must be on a stimulant or some other brain-altering, addictive drug, thenchild in handyou should exit that office and exit that school.