Ritalin Made Boy ‘Zombie,’ Parents Charge

The drug Ritalin turned a difficult, hyperactive 9-year-old boy into “a zombie,” the boy’s parents charged as they appealed to state school officials Tuesday not to force him to take the medicine.

Casey Jesson’s parents appealed to a state education department hearing officer, and said they will go to court if necessary to override the Derry School District’s order that he go back on Ritalin, or another medication, before he is allowed back in class.

State school hearing officer Eric Falkenham did not indicate when he would rule on the Jessons’ appeal of the school district requirement that he take the medication. The child is currently being taught by a tutor, pending the outcome of the hearing.

Both sides agree that the boy has serious behavior problems, but no one has pinpointed the cause.