The variety of possible suboptimal long-term outcomes associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when left unsupported highlights the importance of timely and accurate identification followed by intervention. Though considerations of race and ethnicity are essential to service delivery, disparities in ADHD identification and intervention persist for racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) youth. This is exacerbated by a lack of research focusing on REM populations. The current study is a phenomenological investigation of REM adolescents' (N = 35) experiences with ADHD. Participant responses to an online phenomenological survey yielded four themes and eleven subthemes related to ADHD symptom experiences, navigating social relationships and school, stigma, and finding positivity in ADHD. Participant experiences corroborate and expand on extant research regarding ADHD symptoms, social isolation, school discipline referrals, and stigma. These findings highlight the importance of including REM participants in research and increased efforts to decrease stigma.
Keywords: ADHD; Adolescents; Ethnicity; Experience; Race.
© 2022. W. Montague Cobb-NMA Health Institute.