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Differential access to care for children with ADHD in special education programs
R Bussing1, B T Zima, T R Belin
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0177, USA. regina@hpe.ufl.edu
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Access to treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) varies by demographic factors and care sector. Children
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Healthcare Access and Equity
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder requiring timely access to care.
- Understanding service utilization patterns is crucial for improving treatment accessibility for children with ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine access to treatment for children with ADHD across general health, specialty mental health, and informal care sectors.
- To identify factors influencing service use in different care settings.
Main Methods:
- Screening of special education students for ADHD in a Florida school district.
- Diagnostic and services assessment interviews with high-risk children and their parents.
- Analysis of service utilization across three care sectors.
Main Results:
- Female gender, minority status, and rural residence were associated with lower ADHD service use in the general health sector.
- A child's need for services predicted utilization in mental health and informal care sectors.
- Significant disparities in ADHD treatment access were observed.
Conclusions:
- Barriers to accessing ADHD treatment exist, particularly within the general health sector for certain demographic groups.
- Service needs strongly predict utilization in specialty and informal care, highlighting the importance of specialized support.
- Further research is required to address parental or gatekeeper-level barriers to care for childhood ADHD.