Date of Award
Spring 3-5-2022
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Shana Cerny
Second Advisor
Dr. Karen Hebert
Keywords
attention/deficit-hyperactivity disorder, stigma, bias, occupational therapy, school-based professionals, ASQ, ADHD-IRAP, ADHD, IRAP
Subject Categories
Disability and Equity in Education | Occupational Therapy
Abstract
This study used the Attention/Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Stigma Questionnaire (ASQ) and the ADHD Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (ADHD-IRAP) among school-based professionals, including occupational therapists. 24 occupational therapists and 23 other school professionals completed demographic questions and the ASQ. 22 completed scores were used for the ADHD-IRAP results. Other school professionals (36.17%) reported having experience with children with ADHD outside of their professional capacity more than occupational therapists (23.40%) which was marginally significant (F (0.96, 10.78) = [11.75], p = .051). On the ASQ subscales, there was a significant difference between groups for Self-Image (F (2.55,10.05) = [11.42], p = .002), Public Attitudes (F (1.94, 9.66) = [9.04], p=.004), and the total score (F (1.41, 8.54) = [7.42], p = .009), with other school professionals reporting greater stigma toward students with ADHD. Findings indicate that occupational therapists report less stigma toward students with ADHD. Occupational therapists demonstrated a positive but relatively weak bias on ADHD trials on the ADHD-IRAP. In contrast, other professionals who interact with ADHD children (teachers, SLPs, etc) showed a slight negative bias. Other school professionals knew children with ADHD outside of their professional setting more than occupational therapists. Occupational therapists in the school setting are skilled practitioners who work with this student population and can reflect on personal biases that can impact service delivery.
Recommended Citation
McReynolds, Sidney M. Mrs., "Impact of Stigma on Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implications for School-Based Occupational Therapists" (2022). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 67.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/67