ADHD in Girls
Recognizing and Treating ADHD in Girls and Women
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Specialized ADHD Assessment for Girls and Women
ADHD in girls and women has been overlooked for decades. Because most early ADHD research focused on hyperactive boys, the diagnostic criteria—and the clinical instincts built around them—were never designed to catch how ADHD typically shows up in females. The result: countless girls, teens, young women, and adult women have gone undiagnosed, often for years, while quietly struggling with attention, organization, and emotional regulation behind a mask of high effort and self-doubt.
Our practice focuses specifically on closing that gap. We provide thorough, evidence-based ADHD evaluations tailored to the ways attention and executive functioning challenges actually present in female patients—including the subtler inattentive symptoms, the internalized coping strategies, and the co-occurring anxiety or low self-esteem that so often obscure the underlying ADHD. Every assessment is designed to capture the full picture: cognitive strengths, areas of difficulty, and a clear path forward.
Why Girls with ADHD Are Often Missed
Girls with ADHD frequently go undiagnosed because:
- They tend to show fewer hyperactive and impulsive behaviors than boys
- They’re more likely to have the inattentive presentation of ADHD
- They often develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms
- They may present with anxiety or depression that overshadows ADHD symptoms
- Traditional ADHD criteria were developed based primarily on male presentations
Common Signs of ADHD in Girls
ADHD can manifest differently in girls and young women. Common signs include:
Inattention Signs
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities
- Appearing to not listen when spoken to directly
- Struggling with organization and time management
- Frequently losing items necessary for tasks
- Being easily distracted by external stimuli or thoughts
Academic Signs
- Inconsistent academic performance
- Procrastination and difficulty completing assignments
- Careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Trouble with sustained mental effort
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
Our Assessment Approach
Our comprehensive ADHD evaluations for girls include:
- Detailed Clinical Interviews - We gather information about developmental history, current functioning, and family history
- Standardized Testing - Using validated measures specifically sensitive to ADHD in females
- Behavioral Observations - Assessing attention, focus, and executive functioning in real-time
- Rating Scales - Collecting information from multiple sources including parents, teachers, and self-reports
- Differential Diagnosis - Carefully distinguishing ADHD from other conditions that may present similarly
Benefits of Early Identification and Treatment
Early identification and appropriate intervention for girls with ADHD can:
- Prevent academic underachievement
- Reduce risk for anxiety and depression
- Improve self-esteem and self-confidence
- Enhance social relationships
- Develop effective coping strategies
- Provide appropriate accommodations for school or work
Contact Us for an ADHD Evaluation
We welcome inquiries if: - You’re concerned your daughter may have ADHD - You’re a young woman who suspects you may have undiagnosed ADHD - You’re a college student who has gone under the radar for ADHD - You’re a parent seeking guidance for your daughter with ADHD
Recommended Resources
Books
- Straight Talk about ADHD in Girls by Dr. Stephen Hinshaw
- Understanding Girls with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman, and Patricia Quinn
Social and Emotional Signs