Latinx Families Ask For Equal Services For Their Children With Disabilities

 Research shows that Latinx families of those with developmental disabilities are less likely than white families to receive services through a state-funded network. A lawsuit seeks to change that. Read More >

Racial disparities found in rising pediatric autism prevalence

The rate of Hispanic and black youths born from 2007 to 2013 who were diagnosed with autism at ages 3 to 5 rose by 73% and 44%, respectively, compared with a 25% increase among white youths, according to a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Researchers said that a difference in risk factors or another factor, not improved autism awareness and detection, is likely behind the racial differences in pediatric autism rates.   HealthDay News

Disability Groups Step Up Efforts To Reach Minority Families

Support and advocacy organizations often fall short in reflecting the diversity of Americans with disabilities, but some are looking to change that. Read More;

Disability Advocates Concerned By Plan To Axe School Discipline Guidance

A Trump administration panel is recommending that federal officials rescind Obama-era guidance aimed at ensuring that minorities and students with disabilities aren't unfairly disciplined. Read More >

Inequality leads to disability classification

More minority students are identified as having a learning disability because of socioeconomic disadvantages, according to a study by sociology professor Dara Shifrer at Portland State University. Instead of placing students in special education, Shifrer said students need improved access to quality early-education resources and teachers need better training on identifying learning disabilities.

U.S. News & World Report

Analysis: Minority Students Often Left Out Of Special Ed

Despite broad concern that minorities are overrepresented in special education, new research suggests that the opposite may in fact be the case. Read More ;

Study: ADHD may be underdiagnosed among minority children

Minority children are less likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to a recent longitudinal study of 17,000 students. "What that suggests in our study is that there are children who are likely deserving of a diagnosis, but who aren't receiving a diagnosis, which raises the question of a lack of treatment," study author Paul Morgan said. CBS News (6/24)   http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57590701/adhd-diagnosis-less-likely-for-minority-kids-study-claims/

Autism Campaign Targets Minority Parents

Hispanic and African-American children are often diagnosed with autism at older ages. Now, a new advertising campaign aims to raise awareness in an attempt to reverse the trend.   http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/05/21/autism-campaign-minority/17994/

New Center for Latino Mental Health Needs

Latinos represent the nation's largest & fastest growing ethnic group, yet there remains a striking lack of knowledge regarding the unique mental health needs facing the Latino population--and a troubling shortage of culturally competent mental health professionals prepared to meet those needs. To help address this issue, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has started a new Center for Latino Mental Health. The center will work to bolster understanding of and access to culturally competent mental health services through scholarly research, community service, and education. Read more at: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-center-latino-mental-health/story.aspx?guid=%7BD6494D99-DE35-46D3-8406-766D8736B990%7D&dist=hppr

Young African-American Males Facing Mental Health Crisis

Studies Find Dramatic Increase in Suicides among Adolescent African-American Males. A significant increase in mental illness and behavioral problems among adolescent African-American males demonstrates the need for new approaches to treatment and better understanding of the complex challenges facing these youths, according to a policy paper issued by Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved, an advocacy group based at Morehouse School of Medicine.

The paper, titled "The Secret Epidemic: Exploring the Mental Health Crisis Affecting Adolescent African-American Males," outlines data indicating that mental health problems are rising among members of this at-risk group, their access to treatment facilities is relatively low and treatment strategies must be revamped to address the socioeconomic issues that confront them. Read at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/26626094/