What’s the Link Between a Low-Income Status and a Kid’s Chance of Developing ADHD?
“Does growing up in impoverished circumstances increase a child’s chance of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or does it intensify existing symptoms? Marian F. Earls, director of pediatric programs at Community Care of North Carolinawho also serves on the guidelines committee for people with ADHD at the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that it’s a ‘bit of a chicken-and-egg situation’ in that there may be some overlap. Ultimately, she believes that ‘poverty exacerbates rather than causes’ ADHD. A child living below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, she says, will find that such circumstances will likely create an impact on his or her childhood that will intensify existing symptoms.”