By Ruthie Fierberg, The Parents Perspective
The movie “Sister” raises awareness for ADHD and mental illness while shedding light on the quick-to-diagnose quick-to-medicate approach that has become routine in our country. “The message of the film is that every child is an individual and every diagnosis, whatever it is, should be done on an individual basis and not this mass diagnosis which is going on,” said co-writer Todd Camhe. Camhe and David Lascher wrote the character Billy as a vehement opposer of drugs who suddenly takes his adopted sister Niki off the meds she had been on since the age of 5.
But the team behind Sister is careful to balance this perspective through the character of a school psychiatrist (John Heard) who speaks on behalf of the many children who have thrived on medication. What results is an insightful debate through storytelling that will be sure to provoke a dialogue among viewers. “We consulted with leading experts and really treated the disorder in a very serious way,” said Camhe. “I don’t want to pretend that we have all the answers,” added Lascher. “This is one story. If there’s any message it’s: Take a closer look.”
In fact, Lascher and Camhe started the Our Kids First Foundation to raise awareness and spark discussion about ADD, ADHD, and other related conditions. “This is just a first and in ways small but important step to raise that awareness,” said Scott. “I think a lot of people are going to relate. Everybody knows someone that’s going through one of these issues.” It’s true. With ADD and ADHD becoming more common diagnoses, (as scientific advisor to the Foundation Dr. Steven Hinshaw writes his new book The ADHD Explosion) we all seem to know someone affected by it. “Our hope is that people connect with [the movie] and it gets them talking, sharing their stories, their experiences,” said Camhe.
Read more of this post on The Parents Perspective blog here.