Darker Skin, Harsher Discipline: Parental Perspectives on Colorism and ADHD Management in Education

• In Event: Parents, Equity, and Implementation of Special Education

Abstract

About 1 in 10 school-aged children are diagnosed with ADHD, yet school responses often reflect racialized perceptions. While racial disparities in discipline are well documented, little attention is given to how skin tone shapes treatment. Using survey data from 112 parents of children with ADHD in Pre-K–12, I examine how skin tone influences discipline, emotional support, and differential treatment. Darker-skinned children were more likely to face harsh discipline and receive less emotional support, even when parents were highly engaged. Findings highlight the need to address colorism as part of racialized ableism in schools, and show broad racial categories obscure intragroup differences in treatment and support.

Author

• Ashley B Borjon, University of California - Merced