This week, the Special Needs Blog included topics such as cameras in classrooms, airlines behaving badly, unaccepted apologies, and many issues with different kinds of medications. Here is a quick review of the blogs that went up between September 3, 2012, and September 8, 2012.
Thalidomide Maker’s Apology Not Enough
Gruenenthal, the maker of a drug called thalidomide (and Contergan and Distaval), issued an apology for the harm caused to those affected by their drug. Many are seeing this apology as insufficient, and believe that there should be financial compensation coming to the thalidomide victims.
Harvard Newspaper Website Runs Ad for “Adderall Alternative”
The website for the Harvard Crimson accidentally ran an advertisement for “ADDTabz”, which is described as an “Adderall Alternative”. Parents of college students who have ADHD might want to emphasize to their child that sharing, or selling, their Adderall is unacceptable. Some students see it as a study aid, and your child could be asked for some of his or her medication.
Study Finds Asthma Inhalers May Affect Growth
A study finds that certain types of asthma medications that are distributed via an inhaler can have an affect on the growth of a child. It is a long term effect. This study was on specific asthma medications. Parents should not assume that all asthma medications affect growth.
Teen With Down Syndrome Treated Badly by Airlines
American Airlines and United both mistreated the family of a teenager who has Down Syndrome. The actions of the airline workers could be considered a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. It is troubling that this type of discrimination is still happening.
Study Finds About Half of All Teens With Autism are Bullied
Another study has found that teens with autism are more likely to be victims of bullies than are kids who do not have special needs. The researchers conclude that part of the problem is that schools are failing to appropriate include students who have autism into general education classrooms.
Parents Petition to Put Cameras in Classrooms
A growing number of parents, across the nation, have created petitions at Change.org that ask schools to put security cameras into Special Education classrooms. The parents see this as a safety measure to prevent their children from being abused by their teachers at school. The opposing view feels that putting cameras into classrooms would be an invasion of privacy.
Image by Steve Czajka on Flickr