ADHD in Girls
It's not just hyperactive boys...
You know what springs to mind when most people think about ADHD, don't you? Probably a young boy, bouncing off the walls, can't sit still for a minute. Yes, hyperactivity is a symptom of ADHD, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Especially when we're talking about girls.
See, ADHD can show up differently in girls, and that's why it often gets missed. It's like we're all looking for a square peg, and we completely overlook the round one because it doesn't fit our picture.
Think about it. Girls are often socialised differently. They might be better at masking their symptoms, trying to fit in, to appear less disruptive.
So what does it look like?
Instead of that obvious hyperactivity, ADHD in girls might look more like this:
Inattentiveness: Daydreaming, struggling to keep their focus in class, missing the details, losing things... They might seem quiet, "spacey," and teachers might just think they're not trying hard enough.
Emotional Sensitivity: Girls with ADHD can be super sensitive, experiencing big emotions, and having a hard time managing them. This can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and feeling overwhelmed.
"Chattiness" and Social Difficulties: Sure, some girls are just naturally chatty. But with ADHD, it can be impulsive, blurting things out, interrupting, and struggling to read social cues. This can make it hard to make and keep friends.
Perfectionism and Anxiety: Sound familiar? That drive to be perfect, that fear of failure... It can be a big thing for girls with ADHD, who might be trying extra hard to compensate for their challenges.
And because it's not that "classic" picture of ADHD, girls often get diagnosed much later than boys. This can mean years of struggling, feeling misunderstood, and maybe developing other problems like anxiety or depression, which, as I have said before, can go hand in hand.
Final thoughts
If you're a parent, a teacher, or anyone working with young people, it's so important to be aware of how ADHD can present in girls. Don't just look for that hyperactive boy. Keep an eye out for the quieter signs, the emotional struggles, the girls who seem to be underperforming or just not quite "themselves."
Early identification and support can make a HUGE difference. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to seek advice from a professional. Let's make sure we're seeing all the young people who need our help.
Can you help me?
Yep. I have experience of screening girls for ADHD and assisting with the referral process, as well as thinking about whether we are even looking at ADHD or not.
For anything else, though? Please get in touch:
Did you like this post? Think you have a friend who might want to read it?
Make sure you don’t miss any of my other posts: