Study Examines Stigma Associated with ADHD
Is there a stigma surrounding being a child with ADHD? If you have a child with ADD or ADHD, you probably know the answer. According to a recent study published in the August issue of Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, there is a negative perception surrounding ADHD.
The study examined stigmatization of Asthma, ADHD, and Depression. Surveys were administered to 1,318 children and adolescents ages 8 to 18 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to depression, ADHD, or asthma conditions and were presented with a vignette about a peer with one of the conditions.
The Conclusion of the Study
Respondents were more likely to make negative attributions about peers with ADHD and depression versus asthma, particularly regarding the likelihood of antisocial behavior and violence.
Other resources about the stigma surrounding ADHD:
Overcoming the ADHD Stigma – Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) ADDitude Magazine on ADD/ADHD. An expert psychologist shares his secrets for fighting ADD ADHD stereotyping in children and adults. read more digg story.
The ADHD Stigma – According to a study reported in Science Daily, nearly twenty-five percent of the 1134 parents in the study reported that they would not like their children to be friends with a child with ADHD. These parents then went on to say that …
Overcoming the ADHD Stigma – Steven Hinshaw, Ph.D., shares his secrets for fighting stereotyping.
ADHD Research | 
ADHD Dad | July 21, 2008
By Shane, July 22, 2008 @ 11:38 am
How sad that other parents would not want their child to play with an ADHD child. The general public so needs to learn more about ADHD. Our ADHD children are not contagious. They’re just normal boys and girls who happen to be wired differently.
By Lauri, November 6, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Anyone who would not want their child to have the honor of being a friend or neighbor of my son simply because he has ADHD is a fool. You can speak with anyone who knows him…he is popular, very witty, outgoing, energetic, imaginative, insightful and compassionate. These are also characteristics of the ADHD. Yes, we have issue we deal with. I have been crouched in the corner crying from frustration…alot of mom’s whose kids don’t have ADHD have been there too! I know that with love, patience and commitment those times are far outweighed by the good.