THE HIDDEN STRUGGLES OF GIRLS WITH ADHD

You probably knew that one girl in elementary school. She was bright and bubbly but couldn’t seem to sit still. She talked out of turn, lost her belongings, and had trouble finishing tasks. While the boys who exhibited these behaviors were quickly diagnosed with ADHD, she slipped under the radar. Girls with ADHD are often overlooked and misunderstood. Though they face the same symptoms and challenges, their condition is frequently misdiagnosed or missed altogether due to a lack of understanding about how ADHD presents differently in girls. ADHD symptoms can be different in girls than boys, making it harder to recognize the condition. Learn more about ADHD in school-aged girls and how it differs from ADHD in boys.

This article is for you if you are that restless little girl or know one today. We’re going to dive into the hidden struggles of girls with ADHD and provide strategies to help them thrive in and out of the classroom. It’s time to bring attention to this neglected issue so that girls with ADHD can get support and accommodation.

Common Symptoms of ADHD in Girls

Common symptoms of ADHD in girls include:

The symptoms of ADHD often look different in girls and are frequently missed or misdiagnosed. If your daughter exhibits several of these signs that are interfering with her life, consider speaking to her doctor about the possibility of ADHD and treatment options that could help her thrive.

Why ADHD Goes Undiagnosed in Many Girls

ADHD often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in girls. Why is that? For starters, girls with ADHD tend to be less hyperactive and impulsive than boys, so they’re less likely to cause disruptions that would lead to a diagnosis.

Instead, girls tend to struggle more with inattention and disorganization. They may need help finishing tasks, following instructions, or tidying their space. These challenges are often dismissed as laziness or lack of motivation rather than recognized as disorder symptoms.

Girls also tend to be better at masking their symptoms to fit in. They’ll copy other students to hide difficulties with attention and focus. This masking, known as “social camouflaging“, prevents teachers and parents from noticing the underlying issues.

Cultural expectations play a role

Cultural stereotypes about how girls “should” behave further obscure the diagnosis. Girls are expected to be well-behaved, organized, and attentive. When a girl doesn’t live up to these expectations, it’s usually attributed to a character flaw rather than a legitimate disorder.

If you’re concerned your daughter may have undiagnosed ADHD, look for signs like frequent distraction, disorganization, trouble following instructions, fidgeting, or talking excessively. Talk to her teachers and doctor. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help your daughter thrive in school and beyond.

With understanding, support, and the right resources, girls with ADHD can go on to achieve amazing things. The first step is making sure their struggles are recognized and addressed.

Strategies for Supporting Girls With ADHD in School

To help support girls with ADHD in school, several strategies can make a big difference:

Accommodations

Work with teachers and school administrators to set up accommodations for your daughter, like:

Accommodations level the playing field so your daughter has the same opportunities to succeed as her peers. Don’t be afraid to ask for what she needs.

Build self-esteem

Girls with ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem and self-doubt due to challenges in school. Provide your daughter with:

Help her develop self-confidence and see her diagnosis as a part of her identity.

Organization and time-management skills

Improving organization and time-management skills will help reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. Work with your daughter on:

Building these skills will take ongoing practice and patience, but it will benefit her for years.

With the right support and strategies in place, girls with ADHD can thrive in school. Helping your daughter learn skills to manage her symptoms, gain self-confidence, and get the assistance she needs will set her up for success and a bright future.

Conclusion: Hidden Struggles of Girls with ADHD

You now have a better understanding of how ADHD can impact girls differently. As a parent, teacher, or friend, keep an eye out for signs of struggle in girls that point to possible ADHD. Provide support through listening without judgment, helping organize tasks, giving reminders, and encouraging physical activity. Most of all, understand that these girls are not lazy or unmotivated. With compassion and the right resources, girls with ADHD can thrive and achieve their full potential. Though the challenges of ADHD are real, the gifts of creativity, sensitivity, and passion in these girls are equally real and deserve to be nurtured. ADHD is not a character flaw or a life sentence. With support from people who care, girls with ADHD can build confidence from the inside out.

Check Out Our Other Blogs:

• 10 Most Common 504 Accommodations for ADHD
• ADHD in Women: Why It Often Goes Undiagnosed
• Understanding ADHD in School-Aged Girls