Pre-K–12 Teachers’ Views on ASD+ADHD: Prevalence Estimates and Teaching Preparedness
Background/Objectives: Teachers play a significant role in the identification and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD. However, their perceptions of ASD+ADHD comorbidity remain underexplored. This study investigates teachers’ estimates of ASD+ADHD prevalence and their p...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Children |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/3/342 |
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| Summary: | Background/Objectives: Teachers play a significant role in the identification and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD. However, their perceptions of ASD+ADHD comorbidity remain underexplored. This study investigates teachers’ estimates of ASD+ADHD prevalence and their perceived preparedness to teach students with co-occurring diagnoses, exploring key predictors of both outcomes. Methods: Pre-K-12 teachers (<i>N</i> = 199) completed demographic questions and four additional questionnaires assessing ASD- and ADHD-specific knowledge, neurodiversity attitudes and overall teaching self-efficacy. Participants estimated the prevalence of ASD+ADHD comorbidity and rated their preparedness to instruct students with ASD+ADHD, ASD-only, and ADHD-only. Regression analyses examined factors predicting prevalence estimates and preparedness. Results: Teachers underestimated the lifetime prevalence of ASD+ADHD, though current prevalence estimates were more aligned with meta-analytic findings. Personal experience and current teaching of comorbid students predicted higher prevalence estimates, whereas greater ASD knowledge was associated with lower estimates. Preparedness to teach ASD+ADHD was rated lower than for ASD-only or ADHD-only students. Self-efficacy, neurodiversity attitudes, and professional training were predictors of preparedness. Current teaching of comorbid students, disorder-specific knowledge, and total years of teaching experience showed inconsistent associations across conditions. Conclusions: Findings suggest that while direct experience and training enhance both awareness and preparedness, disorder-specific knowledge alone does not consistently translate to confidence in supporting students with co-occurring diagnoses. Implications for teacher training and the need for comorbidity-focused professional development are discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 2227-9067 |