I've seen and worked with countless number of kids with severe behavoiral disorders, and I have to say, in many cases, medicine is an absolute nesessity, regardless of side effects.

For instance, I used to volunteer at the Cobb Center, a foster home for boys with aggression and behavoial issues, and oh my gosh, some of those kids were so disturbed that they were on the verge of killing someone. I would see them flip over tables, scream profanity, rip their clothes off, lunge at people and hell knows what else. They were just so angry. But then, over time, some of them would be put on medication, and their behavoir would begin to change -- they would become much more subdued and calm. It was pure relief for everyone.

Furthermore, I've read books about aggressive kids, about how if these children are not treated when they are younger, many of them will end up devloping conduct disorder, or antisocial personality disorder...and those are the people who end up commiting serious crimes and having to spend time in prison.

Anyway, I too am skeptical about putting four year olds on something as powerful as Risperdal, but I think it's important to look at the big picture: If these kids weren't treated in one way or the other...many of them would end up being disasters to society.

so are you arguing then that we make them diasters to themselves? that society's need for control is greater than their right to human freedom and self-determination? why don't we just execute them straight off?

"human freedom and self-determination" won't be circumscribed by medication. On the contrary, I think kids will feel more free and more determined if they're actually able to function. The only time they'll ever be "disasters to themselves" is if they end up in prison or worse. And I certainly do believe that sedation, restlesness, weight gain or any other side effect is better than execution!

But your point is well taken about society's need for control outweighing human rights.