Know it Nothings

I think I'm becoming very fed up with what I call "know it nothings." They think they are "know it alls" when they really are only regurgitating things they've heard that is either blatantly wrong or something that has been spread.

This has become very apparent since I've started advocating for Autism as well as breastfeeding and attachment parenting. People hold onto these beliefs that aren't based on a bit of fact at all.

I love it when people spout "facts" about parenting, especially cosleeping and breastfeeding. Like about how cosleeping kills babies, and breastfeeding is only good until six months (a personal favorite of mine - does it turn into water all of a sudden?).

Recently I had an interesting argument on a reddit comment about ADHD meds. I got told I was "parroting" BS told to me by a doctor. If I could have attached a sound byte it would have been laughter. Not only have I studied and researched it, I have confirmed the knowledge I have with many medical professionals. This kid thinks because he was diagnosed with ADHD that meds are going to mess with your mind. *rolls eyes*

ADHD is a lack of stimulation in the brain. There are different theories on it, but I go with the one that ADHD and ADD are two separate conditions. A good way to describe ADD is "mental sluggishness", and hyperactivity is a symptom of overactive neurons. There are so many things we don't know but the fact is that the medication for ADD that works best is Adderall or Dexadrine. Want to know what else is the same chemical composition? Caffeine. Diet pills have also the same kind of stuff in it. Adderall = amphetamine, simple as that.

This article shows how the brain scans of kids with ADHD are different. Now, I've seen the argument, that the wrong thinking causes the brain to be different. Chicken and the Egg folks! It is different so now what? The anti-drug movement in ADHD is of course getting stronger and stronger. People don't want to medicate their kids because it is going to do harm in the long term, blah blah. Yes, ADHD meds are overprescribed. Not every child with ADHD symptoms need medication. And yes, there are plenty kids that are doing great "drug free". Wonderful. That isn't every kid though. Medications, like everything, apply only to those that need them. A parent knows their child best, and having strangers tell you that drugs are bad to have your kid on just because you have one bad experience is ludicrous. Children who are not on the right drugs may not react well. Studies show that when a child with no hyperactivity symptoms is given ritalin, they do not do as well as when given something like adderal.

Here we seem the article talking about the faulty off switch idea. Knowing my son, I wholly agree with it. He has no off switch to speak of. And you know what, not every kid is my son. So this may not apply to them. WebMD has a good one on the chemicals in the brain. Dopamine, Nuerephenephrin, Seratonin, all of these chemicals have an important role in our lives. When they are not correct, we suffer from mental and physical health issues. How do you bring a chemical imbalance back to balance? Lets think about it, by using a chemical.

Why is this stuff so hard for people to get, I have to wonder? Because on page that is anti drug treatment says so? I'm sorry, that is just as bad as taking the first doctor's word for something that you come across. You can't preach about how terrible and bad something is without a proper basis.

I am so fed up with people who think they know everything when they know nothing. Seriously, folks. If you don't know something, or someone points out that you're wrong, grow some balls or ovaries and admit it. I'm sick and tired of people flinging shit that is just that, pure shit, in my direction. People who try to tell me how to parent, who try to tell me what drugs to give or not give, what drugs to take or not take, how to care for my toddler, what I should teach them. Get a F'n life and stay out of mine. I, unlike most of the people who run this crap off at the mouth, am researched, educated, and knowledgeable about the subjects. I cannot stand when someone approaches me as if I am an idiot and don't know anything about the subject when I know much more than they've even heard of.

I was talking about my therapist diagnosing Booker with Aspergers and ADHD (ADHD inattentive type) and they informed me that couldn't happen and I needed a new doctor because mine didn't know anything.

My therapist has 30 years experience with Aspies and Auties, worked in the school system, and has a background in biology. He is an LPC (licensed professional counselor) and can't prescribe meds but he damn sure knows more about the meds than most doctors I've met. The therapist I use is recommended by Autism Speaks. So, who do I take the word of? Some stranger with an opinion they claim is based in fact (In this instance that there is no link in the literature between aspergers and ADHD), or the therapist that has shown me the research to back up his diagnosis?

Screw all you Know it Nothings! Do some damn research, and let me raise my kids how I know they need to be raised, because unlike you I know all the facts!

And for the rest of you, don't let Know It Nothings get you down. Assault them with knowledge (preferably peer reviewed sources folks, referencing online articles, like the Know it Nothings, isn't proof of anything save speculation).