Development Considerations

Robert Fettgather, Ph.D. is a counselor, educator, writer and activist residing in Grass Valley, California.  Robert Fettgather holds a doctorate in psychology and master degrees in both psychology and education. In addition, Robert Fettgather has served as Special Consultant in psychometrics to the Departments of Education and Developmental Disabilities for the State of California. He holds a specialist credential in learning handicapped and community college credentials in both learning and developmental disabilities.

Developmental psychopathology is the study of how disorders arise and change with time. These changes usually follow a pattern, with the child mastering one skill before acquiring the next. This aspect of development is important because it implies that any disruption in the acquisition of early skills will, by the very nature of the developmental process, also disrupt the development of later skills. Thus early identification and treatment in these disorders is crucial to minimize disruption to development over the years. 

The primary characteristics of people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are three fold:  a pattern of inattention (such as not paying attention to school- or work-related tasks), impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. These deficits can significantly disrupt academic efforts and social relationships. Symptoms usually appear around age 3 to 4. Gender differences: Boys outnumber girls 3:1. There are psychosocial and biological (medication) interventions described in Barlow. Untreated ADHD can lead to frequent negative feedback from peers and adults; peer rejection and resulting social isolation; and low self-esteem.

But should these adults be treated with stimulant medication as is used to treat childhood ADHD? Moreover, should adults never diagnosed as kids, be diagnosed with adult ADHD? Allen Frances warns that DSM-5 has "set the stage for creating a new epidemic of ADHD in adults".  One could argue that this is yet another example of diagnostic inflation for the purpose of increasing the market for stimulant drugs like Ritalin and drug company profits.

A Memorable Season

Robert Fettgather, PhD, joined Mission College in 1979 and continues to teach psychology courses as an associate faculty member. Robert Fettgsther holds advanced degrees in both psychology and educationIn his spare time, Robert Fettgather enjoys sports and the history of baseball.

The year was 1962- a special year for San Francisco Giants fans.

The 1962 San Francisco Giants were one of the most memorable teams in the history of the franchise. Led by the legendary Willie Mays, the team finished the regular season with a record of 103-62, which was the second-best record in the National League that year. They won a thrilling three-game playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the World Series, where they faced off against the powerful New York Yankees.

The Gians had exceptional hitting and pitching throughout the line-up. The Giants had a number of future Hall of Famers on their roster in 1962. In addition to Willie Mays, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the team featured Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey and Gaylord Perry. Marichal was one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, winning 25 games that season and posting a remarkable 2.41 ERA. Cepeda was the team's cleanup hitter, driving in 142 runs and hitting 35 home runs, while Perry was a young pitcher who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career of his own.

But all that was not enough- the Giants ultimately fell short in the World Series, losing to the Yankees in seven games. However, their remarkable season and memorable playoff run are still celebrated by Giants fans to this day, and the team's many Hall of Famers are remembered as some of the greatest players in the history of the franchise and the sport as a whole.