ADHD in Black Children

ADHD

As ADHD becomes increasingly accepted, research indicates that the Black community still experiences a significant discrepancy inaccurate diagnoses. Traditionally, ADHD in children was often diagnosed in males, but as researchers gathered more data, they discovered that females were equally likely to receive the diagnosis. Many of these diagnosed children were Caucasian, primarily due to the resources available to their families who sought treatment. In contrast, minority and Black children were less likely to receive this diagnosis. Paul Morgan, Ph.D., stated that ADHD is not a privilege-based disability. As ADHD has become more prevalent, the influence of race has gradually diminished. Clinicians who are well-trained in diagnosing ADHD and who have exposure to diverse backgrounds are identifying more minority children with the diagnosis. Although families with greater resources can often achieve more accurate diagnoses, those who lack cultural competence or experience with children of various backgrounds may be less likely to provide appropriate diagnoses.

Research shows that Black children are 69% less likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis compared to their counterparts.

This information is very important because when diagnosed correctly at a young age it can be very helpful for parents and for that child, especially if medication is being considered. Misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis is the beginning of the health disparity pipeline that occurs in Black Americans. Another reason for underdiagnoses is related to the parents. Many parents who have not been exposed to mental health or have knowledge of ADHD are less likely to seek services or identify that there is a problem. It is very common for Black Americans to minimize symptomology or ignore small difficulties that over time develop into larger difficulties in all areas of life. There is a long history of this behavior but overall it continues to impact Black children and Black families. For instance, Black boys who struggle with emotional dysregulation or coping with big feelings may be perceived as aggressive and can be overlooked as having Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or simply an aggressive Black child. In addition, teachers in class may notice them being silly, sleeping in class, being overwhelmed and frustrated, talking excessively, not completing work on time, or refusing to do assignments. At home, parents may notice their children struggling to complete homework or simply refusing to do so, always on their electronics, having difficulty completing chores, being late, having difficulty sleeping, or often talking back out of frustration.

To simplify the major question, does ADHD look different in Black children? The short answer is NO. 

The perception of the clinician and their education and exposure will be a major factor, as well as the awareness of the parent or willingness to accept their child’s challenges.

Why parenting?

Parenting is already a job in itself and parenting a child with symptoms of ADHD or a diagnosis of ADHD can bring more challenges. Learning new tools can be extremely helpful for anyone especially these kiddos. Typical parenting is often more unhelpful than helpful. Unless you are a parent who has some familiarity with ADHD or executive functioning concerns, generational learned parenting will fall short. You may wonder why. The normal: because I told you so, you need to calm down, I just told you to do that 3 times, you’re grounded, you need to listen, and behave, I’m the adult, I brought you into this world, and so on does not work effectively. Parenting focuses on teaching parents how their child is wired and what tools they can use to benefit you and your child.

Why Therapy?

Therapy supports both children in treatment and parents with psychoeducation. Finding clinicians who are highly educated and experts in the area of ADHD and the comorbidities or common diagnoses that accompany an ADHD diagnosis. Having clinicians who are culturally competent and who specialize in the area of ADHD in Black children is imperative due to misdiagnosis. The goal is to support the entire family, be culturally sensitive, and be mindful of labels associated with mental health. As mentioned earlier, therapy can be very beneficial for Black children with a diagnosis of ADHD. Understanding their feelings and how their mind and brain operate can be very helpful for these children. Instead of feeling like they are an outcast or a “bad child” they can feel relief and understanding that can develop a positive outlook on their self-esteem. In addition to learning about how they are wired, these children can learn tools that can help them improve areas of difficulty and focus on areas of strength. Please check out some of our other blogs focusing on ADHD for more symptomology.