1 in 3 Hispanic Parents Unaware of ADHD Treatment, Resources

A new study finds many Hispanic parents aren't aware of treatment options that are available for children with attention deficit disorder.

One-third (36 percent) of Hispanic parents say that if their child had ADHD, they would not know where to go for help, according to a new national report surveying 1,000 Hispanic and non-Hispanic parents about their awareness and perception of ADHD treatment.

Among the findings, Hispanic parents were less aware of where to seek information about ADHD than were non-Hispanic parents. Hispanic parents also reported more barriers to treatment, such as social stigma and health insurance limitations. In addition, 59 percent of Hispanic parents report that they’ve never received information about the disorder in a preferred language, and about one-third say they worried frequently about discrimination that an ADHD child might face.

According to Dr. Jane L. Delgado, the president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the sponsor of the study, the "findings... underscore the urgency of awareness, reducing stigma, and making sure every parent gets the help they need to deal with ADHD. 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 findings were released by the organization on September 19 to honor National ADHD Awareness Day. Find newly updated resources for Hispanic families, including a bilingual ADHD guide and ADHD fact sheet, from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, at hispanichealth.org/adhd, and browse ADDitude’s best articles and free downloads on advocating for ADHD all year long.