Untreated ADHD contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline and related racial disparities

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often perceived as over-diagnosed, yet many youth remain unidentified or inadequately treated. We propose that untreated ADHD is a root cause in the developmental trajectory of antisocial behavior for many youth and is a significant contributor to the school-to-prison pipeline. ADHD is strongly associated with executive functioning deficits, poor academic achievement, peer rejection, experiencing abuse and neglect, and strained relationships with parents and teachers, all of which are established risk factors for delinquency. Further, racial disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD may contribute to the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Rather than relying on exclusionary discipline practices within schools, or involving the juvenile justice system, we emphasize that improved identification, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD, particularly among marginalized populations, may substantially reduce antisocial behavior and divert youth from the school-to-prison pipeline and associated racial inequities.