Understanding Family Perspectives to Better Support Black Children With ADHD Ask The Expert

 February 4, 2026 2:00 PM


Joy Banks PhD

Summary:
Joy Banks, PhD, uses real-world examples to show how teachers and school administrators can build meaningful partnerships with families of Black children diagnosed with ADHD. Racially diverse families vary in how they understand ADHD, which can affect both the treatment options and supports they choose for their children. Educators may interpret ADHD-related behaviors through their own cultural lens, and they may be unfamiliar with how racial and cultural differences influence families’ perspectives on school supports or accommodations. Developing cultural awareness can help educators work more effectively with families and support equitable outcomes for diverse learners. Dr. Banks offers actionable steps and examples for creating effective collaboration with culturally and linguistically diverse families of students with ADHD.

Learning Outcome:
Classroom educators and school administrators will deepen their understanding of cultural perspectives of ADHD, family treatment preferences, and inclusive family engagement practices.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Distinguish between family involvement and family engagement.
  2. Identify and define “cultural humility” and ways it can be used to increase engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse families.
  3. Apply strategically designed multi-tiered systems of support and positive behavioral supports that are grounded in a sociocultural framework.

Joy Banks, PhD, is an associate professor of special education and disability research at George Mason University. Her research focuses on the intersection of race and disability and ways to make special education services more equitable for Black students with disabilities. Her primary interest is the lived experiences of Black college students with disabilities.

Register