ADHD as a “white boy problem”

What prevents young people of color from recognizing their learning differences and ADHD? According to user researcher Yasmeen Adams, there’s a perception by some that ADHD is a “white boy problem.” 

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace welcome Yasmeen to the show to discuss the results of interviews with dozens of young people of color with ADHD. The hosts ask pointed questions about how experiences differ between Black youth and other people of color. And Yasmeen shares why, as a Black person with ADHD, this research is personally meaningful. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• See the trailer for “Vivo,” the Netflix film the hosts talk about in the episode.
• Watch a video with poet LeDerick Horne on being Black with a learning disability.
• Worried about labeling your child with ADHD? Read this teacher’s message to Black parents.
• Read why young Black writer Ryan Douglass couldn’t ask for help as a young child.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give