Some ADHD Medications Are in Short Supply. Schools Are Feeling the Fallout
A nationwide dearth of Adderall, a stimulant commonly utilized for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has left numerous families grappling with the arduous task of procuring the medication for their children. ADHD, a condition afflicting up to 10% of children in the US, necessitates medication as part of treatment for up to 81% of those diagnosed. The deficiency, attributed to manufacturing delays, is having a far-reaching impact on families throughout the nation, prompting some parents to ration their children's remaining supplies of Adderall or transition to alternative medications, despite the fact that finding the appropriate medication can often involve a period of trial and error.
School nurses are playing a pivotal role in mitigating the situation by conveying updates to parents and school personnel and furnishing healthcare providers with valuable insights. Nonetheless, arriving at viable solutions is not always straightforward, especially given the financial strain that switching to a different medication or purchasing brand-name Adderall can impose on families.
Join the AEC special education club and take action to spread awareness. Children with ADHD need awareness, attention and actions from society.
Citation:
Heubeck, E. (2023, March 3). Some ADHD medications are in short supply. schools are feeling the fallout. Education Week. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/some-adhd-medications-are-in-short-supply-schools-are-feeling-the-fallout/2023/03