So Many Kids, So Many 'Disorders'

Have you noticed the number of kids labeled with disorders these days?  There are a great amount of kids said to have ADD, ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, SED or other such issues.  Are there really this many with these disorders?   And, is it helpful to label them as such?? 

If the numbers are in fact this high, what is the cause?  Is it genetic? Enviromnental?  Perhaps the seditary structure of the schools doesn't help either.  Young kids are expected to sit still and focus on paper and pencil tasks for so much of their waking hours.  Perhaps they just need a more active and physical, hands on learning environment to stimulate their minds and bodies? 

Some think it merely the new trend to diagnose and drug kids that have high energy or don't fit neatly into the catagory of "normal."   Other opponents don't even think these are real issues and say the children just need more discipline from their parents and that giving them this label is an excuse for poor behavior. 

I'm sure some truly are in need and can benefit from the meds/services that come along with this diagnosis, but I think there are those that are actually hindered by being labeled.  Aren't we all different and unique with a variety of needs?  Perhaps their individual needs are not being met?  Being labeled with a "disorder" can be interpreted as "something is wrong with you" and can cause self-esteem issues. 

I hope that we'll soon find the cause and cure to help those that truly have these disorders.   In the meantime, perhaps other changes can be made as well to direct and focus the attention of those that have different learning needs to see if that makes a difference ...