Why Seeing Black Children With ADHD as a ‘Discipline Problem’ Must Stop

January 29, 2026

The article explores how ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Black children faces significant disparities due to racial bias and healthcare inequities. Temetric Reeves, diagnosed with ADHD at 49, now advocates for early identification and acceptance after recognizing the condition in her own children. Research shows that Black children with ADHD are frequently misdiagnosed or viewed as behavioral problems rather than individuals with a neurological condition, and they are significantly less likely to receive proper diagnosis and medication compared to white children.

Who is affected

Black children with ADHD symptoms
Temetric Reeves (diagnosed at age 49) and her daughter and son (both diagnosed with ADHD)
IngerShaye Colzie (diagnosed at age 52) and her son (diagnosed in fifth grade)
African-American women with ADHD
College students with ADHD at the University of Memphis
Latino children with ADHD
Teachers in predominantly white schools
Black parents of children with ADHD

What action is being taken

Temetric Reeves is pursuing a PhD in self-advocacy skills in African-American women with ADHD at the University of Memphis
Reeves runs a monthly support group for college students with ADHD at the University of Memphis
IngerShaye Colzie is working as an ADHD leadership coach assisting professional Black women
Clinicians and specialists are conducting webinars on cultural considerations for diagnosing and treating ADHD in African-American children
Sarah Vinson and other experts are urging clinicians to work alongside parents of Black children with ADHD

Why it matters

ADHD has approximately 80% heritability and causes significant functional impairment in children's ability to manage emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and academic performance. Racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment mean that Black children are 69% less likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis by eighth grade compared to white children, and only 36% of diagnosed Black children receive medication versus 65% of white children. When Black children with ADHD are misinterpreted as having behavioral or discipline problems rather than a neurological condition, they miss educational opportunities, face punitive treatment, and cannot access appropriate support systems. Early identification and acceptance are crucial for helping neurodivergent children develop self-advocacy skills and thrive both academically and personally.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle