{"id":75823,"date":"2026-08-07T16:59:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/?p=75823"},"modified":"2026-09-13T11:44:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T16:44:49","slug":"75823","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/?p=75823","title":{"rendered":"Misdiagnosed and Overmedicated: How U.S. Schools Pathologize Black Boys Without Providing Comprehensive Mental Health Care (1 credit hour)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Program Summary: \u00a0<\/strong>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. \u00a0Research found that Black boys often receive diagnoses for conduct disorders as their white peers receive diagnoses for ADHD. \u00a0The course examines how such inequities in diagnosis can lead to disparities in treatment and discipline, resulting in long term consequences. \u00a0Concepts of adultification bias, structural racism, implicit bias, labeling theory, and trauma misinterpretation are discussed, and recommendations for reform are given.<\/p>\n<p>This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reading 1: <\/strong> Misdiagnosed and Overmedicated: How U.S. Schools Pathologize Black Boys Without Providing Comprehensive Mental Health Care by Kenni Rudd\/ Columbia Social Work Review<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reading 2: \u00a0<\/strong>Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know &#8211; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23633 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/book_1404081347.png\" alt=\"Book Icon\" width=\"54\" height=\"50\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/articles\/Misdiagnosed-and-Overmedicated-Course-Readings.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Open the Course Reading Here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Course\u00a0Objectives:<\/strong>\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learning Objectives: \u00a0<\/strong>Describe disparities in ADHD and conduct-related diagnoses for Black boys in US schools. \u00a0Identify how disparities in ADHD diagnosis impacts treatment, discipline, and long term trajectory. \u00a0Identify recommendations for improving diagnosis and treatment for Black boys in US schools.<\/p>\n\t\r\n\t\t<link type=\"text\/css\" rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/quizzin\/style.css\" \/>\r\n\t\t<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/wp-includes\/js\/jquery\/jquery.js\"><\/script>\r\n\t\t<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/quizzin\/script.js\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t<div class=\"quiz-area single-page-quiz\">\r\n\t\t<form action=\"?page_id=755\" method=\"post\" class=\"quiz-form\" id=\"quiz-475\">\r\n\r\n\t\t<p><strong>Course Available Until:<\/strong>  May 31, 2031.<\/p><p><strong>In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to <a href=?action=login>log in<\/a>. If you do not have an account, you will need to <a href=??action=register>register for a free account<\/a>.<p>After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course. <\/p><\/strong><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-1'><div class='question-content'> 1:  ADHD symptoms may include<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9139' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9139' id='answer-id-55280' class='answer answer-1' value='55280' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9139\", \"answer-id-55280\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55280' id='answer-label-55280' class='answer label-1'><span>difficulty sustaining attention, excessive movement, and impulsive deicison-making<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9139' id='answer-id-55281' class='answer answer-1' value='55281' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9139\", \"answer-id-55281\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55281' id='answer-label-55281' class='answer label-1'><span>a pattern of angry or irritable mood<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9139' id='answer-id-55282' class='answer answer-1' value='55282' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9139\", \"answer-id-55282\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55282' id='answer-label-55282' class='answer label-1'><span>argumentative or defiant behavior<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9139' id='answer-id-55283' class='answer answer-1' value='55283' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9139\", \"answer-id-55283\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55283' id='answer-label-55283' class='answer label-1'><span>a persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major societal norms<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-2'><div class='question-content'> 2:  Research shows that Black boys are less likely to receive _________ diagnoses, even when presenting similar behavioral symptoms.<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9142' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9142' id='answer-id-55293' class='answer answer-2' value='55293' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9142\", \"answer-id-55293\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55293' id='answer-label-55293' class='answer label-2'><span>ADHD<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9142' id='answer-id-55294' class='answer answer-2' value='55294' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9142\", \"answer-id-55294\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55294' id='answer-label-55294' class='answer label-2'><span>oppositional defiant disorder<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9142' id='answer-id-55295' class='answer answer-2' value='55295' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9142\", \"answer-id-55295\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55295' id='answer-label-55295' class='answer label-2'><span>conduct disorder<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-3'><div class='question-content'> 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.<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9144' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9144' id='answer-id-55300' class='answer answer-3' value='55300' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9144\", \"answer-id-55300\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55300' id='answer-label-55300' class='answer label-3'><span>overdiagnosis<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9144' id='answer-id-55301' class='answer answer-3' value='55301' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9144\", \"answer-id-55301\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55301' id='answer-label-55301' class='answer label-3'><span>underdiagnosis<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9144' id='answer-id-55302' class='answer answer-3' value='55302' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9144\", \"answer-id-55302\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55302' id='answer-label-55302' class='answer label-3'><span>misdiagnosis<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9144' id='answer-id-55303' class='answer answer-3' value='55303' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9144\", \"answer-id-55303\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55303' id='answer-label-55303' class='answer label-3'><span>delayed diagnosis<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-4'><div class='question-content'> 4:  Which diagnosis is more often addressed through academic accommodation, behavioral supports, or individualized education plans?<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9145' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9145' id='answer-id-55304' class='answer answer-4' value='55304' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9145\", \"answer-id-55304\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55304' id='answer-label-55304' class='answer label-4'><span>ADHD<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9145' id='answer-id-55305' class='answer answer-4' value='55305' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9145\", \"answer-id-55305\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55305' id='answer-label-55305' class='answer label-4'><span>conduct disorder<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9145' id='answer-id-55306' class='answer answer-4' value='55306' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9145\", \"answer-id-55306\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55306' id='answer-label-55306' class='answer label-4'><span>oppositional defiant disorder<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-5'><div class='question-content'> 5:  Stevens and colleagues (2005) found that African American boys were more likely to be classified with<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9146' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9146' id='answer-id-55307' class='answer answer-5' value='55307' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9146\", \"answer-id-55307\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55307' id='answer-label-55307' class='answer label-5'><span>conduct-related disorders<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9146' id='answer-id-55308' class='answer answer-5' value='55308' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9146\", \"answer-id-55308\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55308' id='answer-label-55308' class='answer label-5'><span>attention-based diagnoses<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-6'><div class='question-content'> 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?<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9147' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9147' id='answer-id-55309' class='answer answer-6' value='55309' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9147\", \"answer-id-55309\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55309' id='answer-label-55309' class='answer label-6'><span>affinity bias<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9147' id='answer-id-55310' class='answer answer-6' value='55310' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9147\", \"answer-id-55310\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55310' id='answer-label-55310' class='answer label-6'><span>ingroup bias<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9147' id='answer-id-55311' class='answer answer-6' value='55311' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9147\", \"answer-id-55311\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55311' id='answer-label-55311' class='answer label-6'><span>adultification bias<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9147' id='answer-id-55312' class='answer answer-6' value='55312' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9147\", \"answer-id-55312\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55312' id='answer-label-55312' class='answer label-6'><span>confirmation bias<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-7'><div class='question-content'> 7:  Research demonstrates that Black boys are perceived as less innocent than their white peers as early as age<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9148' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9148' id='answer-id-55313' class='answer answer-7' value='55313' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9148\", \"answer-id-55313\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55313' id='answer-label-55313' class='answer label-7'><span>16<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9148' id='answer-id-55314' class='answer answer-7' value='55314' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9148\", \"answer-id-55314\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55314' id='answer-label-55314' class='answer label-7'><span>14<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9148' id='answer-id-55315' class='answer answer-7' value='55315' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9148\", \"answer-id-55315\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55315' id='answer-label-55315' class='answer label-7'><span>12<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9148' id='answer-id-55316' class='answer answer-7' value='55316' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9148\", \"answer-id-55316\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55316' id='answer-label-55316' class='answer label-7'><span>10<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-8'><div class='question-content'> 8:  Which of the following is more vulnerable to implicit bias?<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9150' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9150' id='answer-id-55321' class='answer answer-8' value='55321' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9150\", \"answer-id-55321\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55321' id='answer-label-55321' class='answer label-8'><span>adult perception<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9150' id='answer-id-55322' class='answer answer-8' value='55322' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9150\", \"answer-id-55322\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55322' id='answer-label-55322' class='answer label-8'><span>fully standardized criteria<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-9'><div class='question-content'> 9:  National data indicate that Black students are disproportionately disciplined for<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9151' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9151' id='answer-id-55323' class='answer answer-9' value='55323' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9151\", \"answer-id-55323\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55323' id='answer-label-55323' class='answer label-9'><span>subjective behavioral categories<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9151' id='answer-id-55324' class='answer answer-9' value='55324' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9151\", \"answer-id-55324\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55324' id='answer-label-55324' class='answer label-9'><span>observable and clearly defined infractions<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-10'><div class='question-content'> 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.<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9153' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9153' id='answer-id-55333' class='answer answer-10' value='55333' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9153\", \"answer-id-55333\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55333' id='answer-label-55333' class='answer label-10'><span>ADHD<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9153' id='answer-id-55334' class='answer answer-10' value='55334' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9153\", \"answer-id-55334\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55334' id='answer-label-55334' class='answer label-10'><span>conduct disorder<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9153' id='answer-id-55335' class='answer answer-10' value='55335' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9153\", \"answer-id-55335\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55335' id='answer-label-55335' class='answer label-10'><span>oppositional defiant disorder<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9153' id='answer-id-55336' class='answer answer-10' value='55336' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9153\", \"answer-id-55336\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55336' id='answer-label-55336' class='answer label-10'><span>trauma-related hypervigilance<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><div class='quizzin-question' id='question-11'><div class='question-content'> 11:  When Black boys are repeatedly categorized through conduct-oriented frameworks rather than neurodevelopmental or trauma-informed lenses, they may encounter<\/div><input type='hidden' name='question_id[]' value='9156' \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9156' id='answer-id-55342' class='answer answer-11' value='55342' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9156\", \"answer-id-55342\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55342' id='answer-label-55342' class='answer label-11'><span>reduced access to advanced coursework<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9156' id='answer-id-55343' class='answer answer-11' value='55343' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9156\", \"answer-id-55343\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55343' id='answer-label-55343' class='answer label-11'><span>diminished teacher expectations<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9156' id='answer-id-55344' class='answer answer-11' value='55344' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9156\", \"answer-id-55344\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55344' id='answer-label-55344' class='answer label-11'><span>heightened disciplinary scrutiny<\/span><\/label><br \/><input type='radio' name='answer-9156' id='answer-id-55345' class='answer answer-11' value='55345' onclick='saveAnswer(\"answer-9156\", \"answer-id-55345\")' disabled \/>&nbsp;<label for='answer-id-55345' id='answer-label-55345' class='answer label-11'><span>all of the above<\/span><\/label><br \/><\/div><p><strong>In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to <a href=?action=login>log in<\/a>. If you do not have an account, you will need to <a href=?action=register>register for a free account<\/a>.<p>After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course. <\/p><\/strong><\/form><\/div><\/font>\n<p>Review our\u00a0<a href=\"..\/?page_id=133\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pre-reading study guide.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course. \u00a0She 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. \u00a0She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City. \u00a0She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital\/medical social work. \u00a0The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Summary: \u00a0This 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. \u00a0Research found that Black boys often receive diagnoses for conduct disorders as their white peers receive diagnoses for ADHD. \u00a0The course examines how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88,7,104,48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-75823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-anti-racism-anti-discrimination","category-clinical","category-diagnosis-treatment","category-implicit-bias"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=75823"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75823\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=75823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=75823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freestatesocialwork.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=75823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}