Graduate Program

School Psychology

Degree Name

Specialist in School Psychology

Semester of Degree Completion

2009

Thesis Director

Assege HaileMariam

Thesis Committee Member

Ronan Bernas

Thesis Committee Member

Christine McCormick

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorders, adversely affects children's academic, social, and emotional functioning. There were three purposes for this study. First, this study attempted to determine the number of students diagnosed with ADHD in the three elementary schools of a rural Midwestern school district as reported by parents. Secondly, the study attempted to discover discrepant practices in the methods of diagnosis and treatment ofADHD for students from a lower socioeconomic status than for those from the middle or upper class as reported by the parents. Thirdly, this study assessed teachers' knowledge and perception of ADHD in order to establish a link between their knowledge of ADHD and their rates of referral of children suspected of having ADHD for ADHD diagnostic evaluation and related special education support services.

Participants included 13 parents of children diagnosed with ADHD and 30 teachers from three elementary schools in rural Central Illinois. Data obtained were insufficient to conduct statistical analysis to answer the research questions or to establish any trends. However, 10% of responding parents (n=33) indicated that their children had an ADHD diagnosis, and medication was used in treatment. Further, based on qualitative data, it appears teachers need more education particularly about evidence-based diagnosis and intervention. A thorough review of the literature, the implications of the study and future directions are presented.

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