Redefining Strengthens: Black Women Thriving with ADHD
(Black women are cis, femmes, and Black womanhood-identifying non-binary persons)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that transcends all racial and cultural boundaries, yet its impact on Black women often remains shrouded in the shadows. As a Black woman in her 30s, I found myself unexpectedly embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout my life, I grappled with challenges that seemingly mirrored the concurring symptoms of my Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Yet, through an unforeseen revelation, I began to unravel the concealed threads that would eventually reveal another force that contributed to my struggles — ADHD.
Biases and Stereotypes:
The underdiagnosis of ADHD in Black women is rooted in pervasive biases and stereotypes that have infiltrated the medical realm. Healthcare providers may overlook or misconstrue ADHD symptoms in minority populations, perpetuating the notion that Black women are impervious to this condition. The strength and resilience attributed to Black women may veil the truth, concealing the neurological complexities of ADHD behind layers of unfounded assumptions.
Startling statistics reveal a distressing reality. A study published in Pediatrics uncovered that Black children…
