B - 48 Heal-Thy Brain: the Intersectionality of Race, Sleep, and Socioeconomic Factors in ADHD.

Abstract

This Paper is an examination of the history of sleep, sleep disorders, and socioeconomic factors as it relates to children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Previous research has revealed that many neurodivergent children struggle to obtain an adequate amount of sleep, which can negatively impact their daily lives. While discussing neurodivergence and sleep, there has also been a correlation to racial disparities regarding children of color having more "sleep debt" and sleep disturbances than others. As a consequence of these constraints, attempts to diagnose and treat ADHD have been severely underrepresented. Google Scholar and JSTOR databases from 2015 to 2023 were searched for studies. The samples reviewed included youth of various races, including Black, White, and Hispanic. Socioeconomic statuses within the samples also ranged in income between $50,000 and $100,000. Children with ADHD and multiple sleep problems have been shown to have more caregiver deficits and poorer quality of life, family functioning, and school attendance than children without a sleep problem (Sung et al., 2008). Teachers also reported more symptoms in Black youths, despite underreporting by parents. Lastly, a child in a low SES family being on average 2.21 times more likely to have ADHD than their high SES peers (Russell et al., 2015). Overall, examining the intersectionality of ADHD can provide clinicians and physicians with useful information at the time of diagnosis and will facilitate campaigns to better help neurodivergent oppressed populations.