Understanding the Black ADHD Experience

Many Black neurodiverse adults and children face “double pressures”. Not only do they face harmful biases around their race and ethnicity, but also in how they think and learn.

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These misconceptions can often impact the type of care, quality of care, and support they get to thrive at school, work, and in life—and in some cases—even prevent that care and support altogether.

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In this blog post, co-created with Shimmer Coach James, we will dive into some common barriers faced by Black individuals with ADHD and strategies to overcome them.

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Remember! Every person’s journey looks different. The barriers and expectations faced by one individual may be either similar or differ to your own. What matters is that we come together and try to understand each person’s experience.

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Barriers faced by Black Individuals with ADHD

The intersection of Black and “Neurodivergent” identities brings up unique challenges, which often compound each other. These challenges can result from a combination of social, cultural, and healthcare factors.

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Some of the key issues include:

• Stigma and Misdiagnosis: Stigma surrounding mental health issues in the Black community, may discourage individuals from seeking help for ADHD. ADHD is often under diagnosed or misdiagnosed as something else due to these social barriers.
• Access to Healthcare: Systemic disparities make it difficult to receive proper ADHD assessments and treatment.
• Educational Inequities: Inequities in the education system can impact Black children with ADHD. They may be disproportionately placed in special education or disciplinary programs, leading to missed opportunities and potential harm.
• Racial Bias: Black children are more likely to be seen as disruptive or unruly, which can lead to a quicker path to disciplinary action rather than getting appropriate support.
• Medication Concerns: Concerns about overmedication or potential side effects lead to a reluctance to pursue medication as part of a treatment plan.
• Lack of Representation: The lack of diversity in healthcare professionals can make it more challenging for Black individuals to find culturally competent care providers who understand their unique experiences and needs.
• Economic Barriers: Economic disparities can make it difficult for Black individuals and families to access specialized ADHD treatments or coaching services.
• Cultural Mistrust: Historical mistreatment and systemic discrimination within the healthcare system have led to a pervasive sense of mistrust among some members of the Black community. This can result in skepticism toward seeking help for ADHD or other mental health issues.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Many Black individuals and families may encounter socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty and limited access to resources. These factors can significantly impact their ability to access appropriate ADHD assessments, treatments, and support services.
• Community Support: Limited availability of community support programs or culturally sensitive resources for individuals with ADHD within the Black community can pose an obstacle to receiving comprehensive care and understanding.
• Cultural Competency in Treatment: The lack of cultural competency and understanding of the unique cultural backgrounds and experiences of Black individuals within the mental healthcare system can contribute to a disconnect between patients and healthcare providers.
• Family Dynamics: In some cases, the family structure and dynamics within the Black community can influence how ADHD is perceived and managed. Traditional family values and dynamics may affect how ADHD symptoms are understood and addressed within the household.
• Coping Strategies: Cultural influences may shape the ways in which individuals and families cope with ADHD symptoms. Understanding these cultural influences is crucial for tailoring effective coping strategies and interventions.

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Lived Experiences: Real Voices

Hear a few voices in the community, who share their top struggles and challenges:

“Being a Black person with ADHD can feel like you're playing life on hard mode. But, I pride myself on being SOFT! You've got obstacles like limited healthcare access, misdiagnosis, and cultural bias to deal with. But hey, every superhero has their challenges, and you're no different - you've got this!” - Dr. Raven, Molecular Biologist and Science Communicator (@raventhesciencemaven)

I struggle with being seen as weak when I need help outside of myself. I’m learning that vulnerability is strength.” - Dani De Boulay, Content Creator and ADHD Advocate (@dani.selflove)

“It’s not safe to disclose, not safe to experience symptoms (which could lead to being policed or punished). I’m at constant risk of isolation because ADHD misunderstood within the Black community.” - Torrian Timms, Founder of Sistas with ADHD (@sistaswithadhd)

“Cultural stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health can lead to a lack of understanding and acceptance. Also, limited access to culturally competent mental health professionals who understand the intersectionality of ADHD within the Black community, educational disparities exacerbate challenges. Racial bias within the healthcare system can lead to under diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or over diagnosis which can reduce the amount of indivudals seeking support” - James Douglas Jr., Shimmer Coach and Founder of Mindful ADHD (@ADHD_Coach_James)

“Obtaining the correct diagnosis, feeling safe enough to open up to a system that has systematically harmed them in the past, and finding support from the community to seek help when we’re ready are all huge challenges.” - Caro, Content Creator and ADHD Advocate (@disrupt_yuh_feed)

“Misdiagnosis, which includes both the under and over (and delayed) diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, continues to be a significant issue within the Black community. Our community is underrepresented in research studies, and there is a notable shortage of mental health practitioners who share our racial background. There is no one better suited to offer assistance and support than individuals within our own community.” - Adrienne Cornish Lucas, Shimmer Coach

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Strategies to Overcome Challenges

Coach James shares some helpful tips and strategies to help overcome challenges.

• Community Outreach and Education: Engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness about ADHD and reduce stigma. Offer educational workshops and materials tailored to the specific cultural context of the Black community.
• Culturally Competent Care: Ensure that healthcare providers receive cultural competency training to better understand the experiences and needs of Black individuals with ADHD. This can help build trust and improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
• Support Groups and Networks: Establish support groups and networks within the community that provide a safe space for individuals and families to share experiences, challenges, and coping strategies related to ADHD. Encourage open discussions to foster a sense of belonging and understanding.
• Accessible Resources: Make culturally relevant ADHD resources readily accessible, including information about symptoms, treatment options, and coping mechanisms. Provide materials in languages commonly spoken within the Black community and ensure accessibility for those with limited resources.
• Family Involvement and Education: Encourage family members to actively participate in the treatment process and provide them with the necessary education and support. Foster open communication within families about ADHD to reduce misunderstandings and promote a supportive environment.
• Advocacy and Policy Reform: Advocate for policy changes that address healthcare disparities and ensure equitable access to mental health services for the Black community. Support initiatives that promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.
• Promotion of Positive Role Models: Highlight successful individuals within the Black community who have openly shared their experiences with ADHD. Promote their stories as sources of inspiration and motivation for others facing similar challenges.
• Collaboration with Community Leaders: Work in collaboration with community leaders, organizations, and influencers to amplify the importance of mental health awareness and destigmatization within the Black community. Foster partnerships to create a supportive network of resources and services.
• Culturally Tailored Interventions: Develop culturally tailored interventions and treatment approaches that consider the unique cultural beliefs, values, and practices within the Black community. Integrate cultural traditions and strengths into treatment plans to promote a holistic approach to wellness.
• Mental Health Screening and Early Intervention: Advocate for routine mental health screenings in educational and healthcare settings, especially in communities with limited access to resources. Promote early intervention strategies that address ADHD symptoms and potential co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
• Collaborative Partnerships with Schools: Foster collaborative partnerships between healthcare providers and educational institutions to ensure that teachers and school administrators are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support students with ADHD. Encourage the implementation of culturally sensitive and inclusive classroom practices.
• Holistic Support Services such as coaching: Offer holistic support services that address the multifaceted needs of individuals with ADHD in the Black community. This may include access to nutritional counseling, mindfulness practices, and holistic therapies that complement traditional treatment methods.
• Culturally Relevant Behavioral Therapy: Promote the use of culturally relevant behavioral therapy techniques that consider the cultural context and values of the Black community. Incorporate storytelling, art, and other culturally significant activities into therapy sessions to foster engagement and empowerment.
• Promotion of Resilience and Strengths: Highlight the resilience and strengths of the Black community in managing ADHD. Celebrate success stories and promote a narrative that emphasizes the unique strengths and talents that individuals with ADHD contribute to their communities.
• Youth Empowerment Programs: Establish youth empowerment programs that focus on building self-esteem, leadership skills, and emotional resilience among young individuals with ADHD. Encourage mentorship opportunities and provide platforms for youth to share their experiences and advocate for positive change.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training for Researchers: Promote cultural sensitivity training for researchers and professionals in the field of ADHD to ensure that research methodologies and findings accurately reflect the experiences and needs of the Black community. Encourage diverse representation in research studies and clinical trials.

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Resources

Check out this list of resources created by amazing organizations in the space. This list is not exhaustive, but it’s a place to start.

• ADDA: African American/Black Diaspora + ADHD Peer Support Group
• ADDitude Podcast: “Cultural Considerations When Diagnosing and Treating ADHD in African-American Children” with Sarah Y Vinson, M.D
• Black Health Matters Blog: 8 Unique Ways ADHD Affects Black People
• Therapy for Black Girls Podcast: ADHD Diagnosis Later in Life
• Black Girl, Lost Keys Blogs