A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over the last 10 years the numbers of students between the ages of 5-17 in the U.S. with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increased by 2%. The study examined about 40,000 households nationally.
The report presents a detailed analysis of ADHD throughout the U.S., examining differences in geographic location, poverty, ethnicity and gender. Here are some key findings:
- most of the overall increase in diagnosis of ADHD occurred in the South and Midwest regions
- increases in diagnosis were also experienced in children living in families at or below 200% of the poverty level, as defined by the federal government
- differences in diagnosis rates between all of the ethnic groups narrowed from 1998 through 2009, except that Mexican children had consistently lower ADHD prevalence than all other racial or ethnic groups
- ADHD is still more prevalent in boys than girls, 12% of boys are diagnosed with ADHD but only 6% of girls
All of this information has implications for school systems who serve students with disabilities. Planning to provide services and understanding changes in the population are key components to ensuring all students receive a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
For more information on ADHD, see this section of CEC’s website.
To read the study click here.
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