Perceptions of academic skills of children diagnosed with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates how the academic skills of children diagnosed with ADHD are perceived by teachers, parents, and the children themselves.


METHODS
The authors analyze data collected for third graders in spring 2002 in the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey. They use linear regressions to estimate independent associations between perceptions of academic abilities and parent-reported ADHD diagnoses, controlling for scores on standardized reading and math tests, assessments of externalizing behaviors, and other factors.


RESULTS
Results show that for ADHD-diagnosed girls compared to other girls, both parents' and teachers' perceptions are substantially more negative. For ADHD-diagnosed boys, the differentials are also negative but less pronounced. Self-perceptions are not significantly different by ADHD status, except for boys' more negative self-perceptions related to math.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the potentially damaging effects of these negative perceptions and expectations on self-esteem, motivation, and performance, efforts may be needed to bring perceptions of ADHD children more in line with the abilities they demonstrate on objective assessments. (J. of Att. Dis. 2007; 10(4) 390-397).
Eisenberg
Daniel
D
School of Public Health, University of Michigan, SPH II MC 2029, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. daneis@umich.edu
Schneider
Helen
H
D000124:Achievement; D001076:Aptitude; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D009042:Motivation; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011287:Prejudice; D011932:Reading; D012649:Self Concept; D012718:Set, Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors