Approximately 3.3 million children in the United States are taking medication for ADHD. Yet only 33% are receiving a treatment plan that combines both medication and therapy. Aris Federman’s short film Tin Soldiers examines this phenomenon through the eyes of a child.
Caius (Wake Ritter) is a young boy who has difficulty concentrating in class. He is easily distracted and doodles pictures on his tests. Desperate to find him, Caius’ Mother (Leanna Johnson) is encouraged to put Caius on a medication regimen to make him feel “normal.” When Caius loses energy and sleeps most of the day, his mother grows concerned about the change in his behavior, but Caius assures her that he feels “normal.” As Caius gets closer to graduation, his lethargic behavior goes unchanged.

“As Caius gets closer to graduation, his lethargic behavior goes unchanged.”
We live in a world where there seems to be a pill for everything. Tin Soldiers points out that medication is not the cure-all, and children often don’t know what they are getting themselves into. As parents, we want our kids to be “normal,” yet pills are dispensed without much-needed supervision.
Aris Federman (who appears as adult Caius) brings gentleness and empathy to Tin Soldiers. The film speaks to both parents and children who may feel lost and alone. Tin Soldiers offers hope.
The film conveys an important message. It’s important to note that Tin Soldiers isn’t anti-medication but urges parents to understand what these medications are meant to do. It’s even more important to have a plan and engage in therapy to help children understand what “normal” should truly feel like.
For more information about Tin Soldiers, visit the official website of Blue Oak Productions.