Misdiagnosed and Overmedicated: How U.S. Schools Pathologize Black Boys Without Providing Comprehensive Mental Health Care (1 credit hour)

Program Summary:  This course examines the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and conduct disorders in US schools and how Black boys are often classified and treated differently compared to their white peers.  Research found that Black boys often receive diagnoses for conduct disorders as their white peers receive diagnoses for ADHD.  The course examines how such inequities in diagnosis can lead to disparities in treatment and discipline, resulting in long term consequences.  Concepts of adultification bias, structural racism, implicit bias, labeling theory, and trauma misinterpretation are discussed, and recommendations for reform are given.

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.

Reading 1: Misdiagnosed and Overmedicated: How U.S. Schools Pathologize Black Boys Without Providing Comprehensive Mental Health Care by Kenni Rudd/ Columbia Social Work Review

Reading 2:  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Book Icon Open the Course Reading Here.

Course Objectives:  To enhance professional practice, values, skills and knowledge by exploring disparities in ADHD and conduct-related diagnosis and treatment among Black boys in US schools.

Learning Objectives:  Describe disparities in ADHD and conduct-related diagnoses for Black boys in US schools.  Identify how disparities in ADHD diagnosis impacts treatment, discipline, and long term trajectory.  Identify recommendations for improving diagnosis and treatment for Black boys in US schools.

Course Available Until: May 31, 2031.

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1: ADHD symptoms may include
 
 
 
 
2: Research shows that Black boys are less likely to receive _________ diagnoses, even when presenting similar behavioral symptoms.
 
 
 
3: Which of the following occurs when a child's behavioral presentation is inaccurately categorized, often resulting in alternative labels such as ODD or CD.
 
 
 
 
4: Which diagnosis is more often addressed through academic accommodation, behavioral supports, or individualized education plans?
 
 
 
5: Stevens and colleagues (2005) found that African American boys were more likely to be classified with
 
 
6: What type of bias refers to the perception that Black children, particularly Black boys, are older, less innocent, and more responsible for their actions than white peers of the same age?
 
 
 
 
7: Research demonstrates that Black boys are perceived as less innocent than their white peers as early as age
 
 
 
 
8: Which of the following is more vulnerable to implicit bias?
 
 
9: National data indicate that Black students are disproportionately disciplined for
 
 
10: Which of the following best describes a persistent state of heightened alertness in response to real or perceived threat, often developed through repeated exposure to stress or adversity.
 
 
 
 
11: When Black boys are repeatedly categorized through conduct-oriented frameworks rather than neurodevelopmental or trauma-informed lenses, they may encounter
 
 
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City.  She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.

Course Available Until: May 31, 2031.
Filed under: Anti-Racism, Anti-Discrimination, Clinical, Diagnosis / Treatment, Implicit Bias