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Culturally Responsive Approaches for Addressing ADHD Within Multi-tiered Systems of Support

  • Child and Adolescent Disorders (TD Benton, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Psychiatry Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Limited work has emphasized cultural responsiveness when working with families and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from diverse backgrounds. We present a primer for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals on the implementation of culturally responsive practices within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework when collaborating with schools.

Recent Findings

Individuals with ADHD demonstrate unique behavioral challenges that affect school and home functioning. As a framework to address the needs of all children with academic and behavioral issues, many public schools have adopted MTSS. Emerging findings on cultural adaptations of evidence-based interventions for ADHD within MTSS are promising.

Summary

Through a comprehensive tiered approach, this review focuses on (1) initial behavior screening and prevention, (2) implementation of evidence-based interventions tailored to the child’s development and family culture, and (3) collaboration between psychiatrists, psychologists, school personnel, and families regarding evaluation of outcomes for children with ADHD, particularly when pharmacological treatment is considered. Engaging in these approaches can promote culturally responsive practices and improve the quality of services provided to children with ADHD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling, Recreation, and School Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Quennie Dong, Byron Garcia & Andy V. Pham

  2. Department of Teaching and Learning, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Michelle Cumming

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  1. Quennie Dong
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  2. Byron Garcia
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  3. Andy V. Pham
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Correspondence to Andy V. Pham.

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Dong, Q., Garcia, B., Pham, A.V. et al. Culturally Responsive Approaches for Addressing ADHD Within Multi-tiered Systems of Support. Curr Psychiatry Rep 22, 27 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-01154-3

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