Girls with ADHD   

We often hear about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but whether explicit or not, there tends to be an association between this disorder and boys who just can’t seem to sit still or pay attention in class.  According to studies, boys are much more likely to be diagnosed than girls with ADHD. But this doesn’t mean that girls have this disorder at lower rates, rather that doctors, parents, and teachers are not trained to look for the specific signs of ADHD that manifest differently in girls.

It is also more difficult to diagnose girls with ADHD because they will often try to mask their inability to pay attention, or will show it in subtler ways. For instance, they may try to appear like they’re paying attention or like they’re “well-behaved” by keeping eye contact while the teacher speaks. Or they may fidget in their seats or pick their nails. Then, in the cases where girls do show the more typical signs of hyperactivity, they tend to be “seen as pushy, hypertalkative, aggressive and overemotional. Their behavior might be seen as a personality problem instead of signs of a disorder” (from ChildMind.org).

ADHD stands in the way of a child’s ability to learn, and some tendencies towards disorganization or trouble paying attention will continue through adulthood. However, undiagnosed ADHD poses even more risks, especially for girls, who are likely to develop low self-esteem and even depression or anxiety due to confusion, their inability to keep up with their academic and social lives, and feelings of incompetence.

Signs of ADHD in girls:

If you are concerned about whether your child has ADHD, contact a trusted healthcare professional who can administer a test. Here are some of the signs that your daughter might have ADHD:

• You have to repeat instructions to her often before she actually understands or follows through.
• She seems “dreamy” or “spacey,” or her focus noticeably wanders.
• Constantly fidgeting in small ways, like compulsively doodling or tapping a foot, etc.
• Has poor time management.
• Has difficulty following through on multi-step tasks.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is very talkative, interrupts frequently.
• Struggles with keeping or making friends.

For more information on the different symptoms of ADHD for girls and boys, click here.

K. Connerty
Boston Tutoring Services