Education professionals’ attitudes towards the inclusion of children with ADHD: the role of knowledge and stigma

Martin Toye, Claire Wilson, Georgina Wardle

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    21 Citations (Scopus)
    77 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Attitudes play a pivotal role in the inclusion of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in mainstream schools but little is known about factors that influence these. This study investigated the effect of ADHD knowledge and stigma on professionals attitudes towards mainstream inclusion. Teachers, support staff, school managers and educational psychologists completed questionnaires assessing ADHD knowledge, stigma and attitudes towards inclusion. Psychologists displayed more knowledge, had less stigmatising beliefs and more inclusive attitudes than other professions. Regression analyses revealed those with more knowledge of ADHD and less stigma held more positive attitudes towards mainstream inclusion. Results have implications for how to promote inclusive beliefs about ADHD.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)184-196
    Number of pages13
    JournalJournal of Research in Special Educational Needs
    Volume19
    Issue number3
    Early online date4 Dec 2018
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31 Jul 2019

    Keywords

    • ADHD
    • ADHD knowledge
    • ADHD stigma
    • attitudes towards inclusive education
    • education professionals

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