
30 May Understanding ADHD in School-Aged Girls
UNDERSTANDING ADHD IN SCHOOL-AGED GIRLS:
Symptoms, Challenges, and Treatment Options

Understanding ADHD in School-Aged Girls
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder / (ADHD)- is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both boys and girls.
While the symptoms of ADHD are usually identified during early childhood, ADHD in school-aged girls are often diagnosed later in life than boys. This is because ADHD symptoms can be different in girls than boys, making it harder to recognize the condition. This article will discuss ADHD in school-aged girls and how it differs from ADHD in boys.
ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. However, ADHD in school-aged girls are often more likely to exhibit symptoms of inattention than hyperactivity or impulsivity. They may struggle to pay attention in class, forget important details, and complete tasks. ADHD in school-aged girls may also have trouble with time management, organization, and planning, affecting their academic performance.
- In contrast, boys with ADHD are more likely to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior, such as fidgeting, interrupting others, and being constantly on the move. This behavior can often be disruptive in the classroom and may result in disciplinary action.
- ADHD in school-aged girls are more inclined to internalize their symptoms, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may become withdrawn, avoid social situations, and struggle with making friends. These emotional and social difficulties can profoundly impact a girl’s academic performance and overall quality of life.
- Another difference between ADHD in school-aged girls and boys is how they seek help. Girls with ADHD often hesitate to seek help or disclose their symptoms, fearing being judged or stigmatized. This can result in late diagnosis and treatment, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and lead to poor academic and social outcomes.
- ADHD in school-aged girls are more prone to have comorbidities like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. These comorbidities can further complicate the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, as symptoms can overlap and be mistaken for one another.
- Despite these differences, the treatment for ADHD in girls and boys is similar. The most effective practice to treat ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are routinely used to treat ADHD, but they have negative effects and may not be suitable for all children. Conversely, behavioral therapy can help children learn coping skills, improve their social skills, and manage their symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in School-Aged Girls:
➡ Inattention: Girls with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention in class, forget important details, and struggle with completing tasks. They may also need help with time management, organization, and planning, affecting their academic performance.
➡ Hyperactivity and impulsivity: While girls with ADHD are more likely to exhibit symptoms of inattention, they can also experience hyperactive and impulsive behavior, such as fidgeting, interrupting others, and being constantly on the move. This behavior can often be disruptive in the classroom and may result in disciplinary action.
➡ Emotional and social difficulties: Girls with ADHD are and will be more likely to internalize their symptoms, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may become withdrawn, avoid social situations, and struggle with making friends.

Treatments for ADHD in School-Aged Girls:
➡ Medication: Stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are commonly used to treat ADHD. However, they can have side effects and may not be appropriate for all children. Discussing the risks and benefits of medication with a healthcare provider is important.
➡ Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help children with ADHD learn coping skills, improve their social skills, and manage their symptoms. This may include parent training, social skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
➡ School accommodations: Parents can work with teachers and administrators to create a supportive and structured environment for their child with ADHD. This may include providing a quiet, organized workspace, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and providing frequent positive feedback and encouragement.
How Parents Can Help School-Aged Girls with ADHD:
➡ Educate yourself
- Learn about ADHD and how it affects girls. This can help you understand your child’s symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
- Create a routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine can help girls with ADHD manage their symptoms. This may include a regular sleep schedule, meal times, and homework.
- Encourage physical activity: Daily physical activity can help improve symptoms of ADHD in school-aged girls. Encourage your child to join sports or other physical activities.
➡ Provide structure and organization
Girls with ADHD may struggle with organization and time management. Help your child stay organized by providing a designated study area, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and creating a schedule or checklist.
➡ Offer emotional support
Girls with ADHD may experience emotional and social difficulties. Be supportive and offer positive reinforcement for their efforts and accomplishments.
It is critical for both parents and teachers to provide a controlled and supportive environment for girls with ADHD. This can include providing a quiet and organized workspace, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and providing frequent positive feedback and encouragement.
Conclusion
ADHD is a disorder that affects girls and boys differently. Girls with ADHD are more prone to exhibit inattention symptoms, internalize them, and have comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. They are also more hesitant to seek help and may experience emotional and social difficulties. Despite these differences, the treatment for ADHD in girls and boys is similar, and a combination of medication and behavioral therapy can effectively manage symptoms.
Parents and educators must provide a supportive and structured environment for girls with ADHD to help them succeed academically and socially. Parents have an important role in assisting their school-aged daughters with ADHD to manage their symptoms and succeed academically and socially. By understanding the symptoms of ADHD in girls, exploring treatment options, and providing a supportive and structured environment, parents can help their children thrive despite the challenges of ADHD.

Craig Selinger

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