Changing the ADHD Narrative From Deficit to Superpower (Part 1) feat. Dr. Mercedes Ebanks
ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions for American youth. Addressing the diagnosis is no easy feat, and there is no one size fits all solution. An ADHD diagnosis for Black children can be compounded with unique challenges, such as stigmatization, which can negatively impact how others at school and within their communities treat them.
On today's episode, which is part 1 of a 2-part series, Dr. Mercedes Ebanks joins host, Howard alum, and developmental psychologist Dr. Kweli Zukeri to explore this situation. They will also discuss the potential that lies within changing the ADHD narrative and approach from one of deficit to superpower and how parents and teachers can help their children and students with ADHD both utilize it as a strength and manage its problematic aspects.
Dr. Mercedes Ebanks is a double Howard alum and Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at the Howard School of Education. She is also a Behavioral Therapist and the Co-Founder and Parent Coordinator of the Mecca Group, LLC.
From HU2U is a production of Howard University and is produced by University FM.
Episode Quotes:
How can a workplace still offer a DEI friendly environment, even if the number of diverse individuals is low?
27:19: Any disorder is critical to treat. And from it really comes awareness, truly helping families understand what their children are experiencing, and then how it impacts the family. Because for a parent to bring their child in for an evaluation or for therapy because they're impulsive, and they're making bad decisions and they keep getting in trouble in school, it's difficult for parents to admit that to themselves. That's difficult to ask for help, because they're expected as a parent, as you said earlier, it's the toughest job to do because we're trying to get it right, and we can't always get it right. So, to get that assistance is why we, at The MECCA Group, are here to be able to provide that assistance.
There’s no one-formula-fits-all for treating ADHD
29:57: I think the best treatment plan for each child is an individual one. It's not a one-formula-fits-all approach. You have to look at the lifestyle the family has, in terms of what their beliefs are.
Education is key to understanding what ADHD really means
28:58: When you look at social media and what has been discussed in the news and mass media about ADHD, a lot of it is pushed towards medication. Parents, however, don't want to look at medication as the first-step way of treatment. That's what they're scared of: having their children look like zombies under this medication and how that's going to help them. So, education is really key to helping parents understand what ADHD means.
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