ADHD is often seen as a boy’s issue. From classrooms to clinics, boys are far more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. This isn’t because boys experience ADHD more often; it’s largely because the symptoms in girls look different and are frequently misunderstood. In fact, girls are often left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can lead to long-term struggles that go unnoticed. So, why exactly does this happen, and what can be done to improve testing and diagnosis for girls?
How ADHD Presents in Girls
When people picture ADHD, they tend to imagine the classic hyperactive child, bouncing off the walls and unable to sit still. For boys, this is often the case. Boys with ADHD tend to display more external behaviours like fidgeting, impulsiveness, or outbursts. This can lead teachers and parents to notice the signs early on, prompting an evaluation.
Girls, however, often show different symptoms. Instead of the visible hyperactivity, many girls with ADHD are more inattentive. They may struggle to focus in class, daydream frequently, or seem forgetful. Their symptoms tend to be internal, which makes them harder to spot. They may not disrupt the classroom, but that doesn’t mean they’re not struggling. A girl might spend hours staring at her homework, unable to focus, or feel overwhelmed by the simplest of tasks. Because her behaviour doesn’t stand out, it’s easy for her ADHD to go unnoticed.
Why Girls Are Often Overlooked
Cultural expectations also play a huge role in why girls are often overlooked. Girls are expected to be well-behaved, quiet, and attentive from a young age. When they struggle with focus, they might hide it better than boys, masking their symptoms to fit in. This often leads girls to be labelled as “daydreamers” or “disorganized” rather than someone with ADHD.
Moreover, the narrative around ADHD has been shaped by studies that historically focused more on boys. As a result, healthcare providers might not recognize ADHD when it presents differently in girls. Girls may also develop coping mechanisms, internalizing their struggles, and as a result, they can grow up believing their difficulties are simply personal failings, not conditions that can be treated.
The Importance of Proper Testing for Girls
Because girls experience ADHD differently, proper testing must account for these differences. ADHD testing that focuses solely on hyperactivity risks missing primarily inattentive girls. To get an accurate diagnosis, doctors should look for signs like difficulty sustaining attention, trouble organizing tasks, and a tendency to feel overwhelmed. It’s also important to consider a girl’s emotional health, as untreated ADHD in females often leads to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation should include behavioural checklists, interviews with teachers and parents, and self-assessments. The goal is to understand the full picture of how ADHD manifests in each person. Testing methods that work for boys won’t always work for girls. Girls deserve a tailored approach that recognizes how the condition manifests in their daily lives. A proper ADHD testing and diagnosis allows them to access the tools and support they need to thrive rather than fall behind due to untreated symptoms.
Encouraging Parents and Adults to Seek Testing
Parents, especially of daughters, need to be on the lookout for more subtle signs of ADHD. If your child frequently zones out, seems disorganized, or needs help with following through on tasks, it may be time for a deeper look. Don’t dismiss these behaviours as quirks or personality traits; they could point to something more significant.
Adults who suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD should also consider seeking testing. Women often think their focus and organization issues are part of who they are. If you’ve been wrestling with inattentiveness, procrastination, or forgetfulness, it’s worth considering whether ADHD could be the root cause. ADHD testing is available for adults, too, and it can open the door to effective treatments, from medication to behavioural strategies.
Conclusion
Girls with ADHD often slip through the cracks, not because they don’t experience it, but because it presents differently in them. Raising awareness about how ADHD manifests in girls is crucial. It ensures that they aren’t left struggling with symptoms that could be managed. By encouraging proactive testing and embracing the differences in how ADHD shows up, we can help girls and women get the diagnosis and support they deserve. No one should have to suffer in silence due to an overlooked condition. With the proper attention, girls with ADHD can thrive just as much as anyone else.