Apparently, a family’s income level may have an effect on their child’s mental or physical challenges. In fact, from 2002 to 2012, diagnosed cases of asthma, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD skyrocketed for children living in the United States. A new study shows that income level plays a role in a child’s diagnosis, but it’s not what you think.
A new study connects ADHD and asthma to poverty levels while autism is connected to wealth.
Income level correlates with physical and mental diagnoses.
Asthma rates in children who live under the federal poverty level were nearly double the amount of those who were, 25.8 percent for the former compared to 13 percent for the latter Autism Spectrum Disorder were up by 36 percent for children residing in households with incomes 400% or higher above the federal poverty line. Meanwhile, children living below the poverty line only saw a 13.3 percent increase during that time. Finally, ADHD for children living in poverty saw a 43.2% increase in diagnoses, while those at other income levels only had a 33.4% increase.
ADHD rates showed similar patterns; children living in poverty had a 43.2 percent increase in ADHD rates, while counterparts at other income levels only had a 33.4 percent increase. Uninsured children saw an increase of 42.7 percent, compared to 37.5 percent for insured children
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Researchers have found that ADHD, asthma, and autism are linked to low family income levels.
- Asthma rates increased by 25.8% for children living under the federal poverty line (compared to a 13% increase for other children).
- Children with no health insurance saw their asthma rates increase by 57.9%.
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