Parent Perspectives on Barriers to Behavioral Health Services for Children With ADHD

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavioral therapy as first-line evidence-based treatment for young children with ADHD, and in combination with medications for children ages 6 years and older. However, a significant percentage of young children are receiving medication treatment for ADHD rather than behavioral treatment. There is limited research capturing parent experiences of barriers to implementing behavioral health services for young children with ADHD diagnoses. This paper seeks to fill this gap by exploring these perceived barriers among parents of children diagnosed with ADHD.

Parents of children with ADHD diagnoses (N = 29) were invited to participate in four focus groups to discuss their experiences with accessing treatment for their child. Focus group participants were recruited from one Southeast city through an ADHD parental support group and nationally from parents attending a conference on ADHD.

Three themes emerged as perceived barriers that impact ADHD treatment. Parents reported barriers that can be conceptualized as (1) misconceptions and stigma; (2) availability of financial and time-related resources; and (3) treatment messaging and provider coordination. These barriers may be more pronounced for parents of young children with ADHD living in the Southeast.

Parent responses about perceived barriers in this study suggest a need for better coordinated care of ADHD across places of service, providers, and families. These findings may inform future efforts to improve access to and utilization of evidence-based treatments for ADHD in the Southeast and nationwide.