Martin's involvement in the ADHD debate
Martin Whitely is a Western Australian politician and former high school teacher who first became concerned about ADHD child drugging in the mid 1990's. Martin was alarmed at the number of boys in his class who were medicated for ADHD but were unnaturally quiet and compliant. Even before he was elected to the Western Australia State Parliament in 2001, Martin was campaigning to stop child drugging and to ensure children with learning and behavioural difficulties had their real needs met.
Martin describes himself as a disorganised, forgetful, daydreamer who fits the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. However, Martin does not consider himself disordered or diseased. He feels lucky to have be born before his personality type became all too frequently labelled as a disability, warranting biochemical intervention.
Statement regarding Martin's (lack of) commercial and religous affiliations
Martin's advocacy on ADHD is motivated solely by his experience as a teacher, parent and politician. He has no commercial interests in ADHD treatments or products. Martin communicates with a diverse range of anti-ADHD child drugging allies, however, other than Drug Free Attention Difficulties Support Inc (DFADS), Martin is not a member of any organisations with any interest in ADHD.
DFADS is a Western Australian not for profit support group for parents of children with behavioral and attentional difficulties. DFADS does not accept funding or donations from any businesses offering any form of treatment for ADHD or any behavioural or learning difficulties. DFADS has no association with any religious organisations. Any profits from the sale of the book $peed Up and $it $till when it is published will be donated by Martin to DFADS www.dfads.org.au
Martin respects all religions, however, Martin is not and never has been a devotee or follower of any religion, or a member of any organisation associated with any religion.