One-Third Of Hispanic Parents Unaware Of Available Resources For ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

To honor National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Day, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance) today released findings from a national survey of Hispanic and non-Hispanic parents investigating potential barriers to diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, as well as parents' awareness and perception of ADHD treatment. The survey found that Hispanic parents are less aware of where to seek help for ADHD compared to non-Hispanic parents (36 and 22%, respectively), and see greater barriers to treatment including social stigmas and health system obstacles.

"New findings from today's ADHD Awareness survey underscore the urgency of awareness, reducing stigma, and making sure every parent gets the help they need to deal with ADHD," says Dr. Jane L. Delgado, president and chief executive officer of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. "As a psychologist and parent, I have seen families struggle with ADHD. Every parent of a child with ADHD needs to know support is available, and that with appropriate education and treatment, their child can have a productive, creative, and successful life."

The ADHD Awareness survey was designed to revisit data collected as part of the Cultural Attitudes & Perceptions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder survey previously conducted in 2002 for McNeil Pediatrics. Key findings from the 2007 released today include:

-- One-third (36%) of Hispanic parents report that if their child had ADHD they would not know where to go for help - an increase from 31% reported in the 2002 survey.

-- A majority of Hispanic parents (59%) report that they have not received information about ADHD in the language of their preference.

-- A majority of Hispanic parents report that not having information (54%), the cost of treatment (54%) and not wanting their child to take medication (53%) matters "a great deal" in preventing children with ADHD from getting appropriate treatment.

-- Almost a third of Hispanic parents (30%) report that they would worry "very much" about their child being discriminated against because of ADHD.

Help for Parents

To mark National ADHD Awareness Day, the Alliance announced the release of a new bilingual fact sheet on ADHD.

In addition, the Alliance announced the second printing of a free bilingual guide to help parents recognize ADHD and learn about the rights of children with disabilities to a quality education and support services in the public schools. The guide was originally developed by the Alliance in collaboration with Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).

This step-by-step guide explains the policies and procedures that public schools must follow in order to provide appropriate public education to children with disabilities. The guide provides resources and valuable scenarios that can help parents determine if their child needs to be evaluated for ADHD and what they can do to become effective advocates to ensure their child gets the support they need.