EPISODE · Nov 18, 2021 · 24 MIN
ADHD as a “white boy problem”
from Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education · host Understood.org
What prevents young people of color from recognizing their learning differences and ADHD? According to user researcher Yasmeen Adams, there’s a perception by some that ADHD is a “white boy problem.” Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace welcome Yasmeen to the show to discuss the results of interviews with dozens of young people of color with ADHD. The hosts ask pointed questions about how experiences differ between Black youth and other people of color. And Yasmeen shares why, as a Black person with ADHD, this research is personally meaningful. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected]. Related resourcesSee the trailer for “Vivo,” the Netflix film the hosts talk about in the episode.Watch a video with poet LeDerick Horne on being Black with a learning disability.Worried about labeling your child with ADHD? Read this teacher’s message to Black parents.Read why young Black writer Ryan Douglass couldn’t ask for help as a young child. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
What prevents young people of color from recognizing their learning differences and ADHD? According to user researcher Yasmeen Adams, there’s a perception by some that ADHD is a “white boy problem.” Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace welcome Yasmeen to the show to discuss the results of interviews with dozens of young people of color with ADHD. The hosts ask pointed questions about how experiences differ between Black youth and other people of color. And Yasmeen shares why, as a Black person with ADHD, this research is personally meaningful. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about “The Opportunity Gap” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.
NOW PLAYING
ADHD as a “white boy problem”
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Jan 2, 2026 ·47m
Dec 21, 2025 ·46m