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Girls with ADHD

Girls with ADHD often go unrecognised and undiagnosed because they may present differently to boys.

It is important to remember that ADHD is highly individual and can present in many different traits and behaviours. However, in general, here are some of the particular differences commonly seen in girls with ADHD.

inattentive behaviours

hyperactive/ impulsive behaviours

  • girls tend to be less hyperactive and impulsive but often struggle more with inattention

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  • this means that girls may be more distractable or seem to be daydreaming

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  • they may look like they are lazy and not trying

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  • or they may seem withdrawn

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  • alternatively, they may try to compensate by a hyperfocus on something they are particularly interested in or are good at

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  • they may be disorganised and forgetful

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  • their work or their appearance might be messy

  • girls tend to be less disruptive to others in the classroom which may be why they are often overlooked

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  • girls may not be as obviously hyperactive and therefore disruptive, but may still display hyperactivity by doodling or fidgeting where they are.

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  • they may also be very talkative, switch topics repeatedly in conversation, or be impulsive by shouting out in class

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  • they may have strong sensory reactions to noise, smells, fabric, light

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  • they may also get easily upset and reactions may seem 'over-the-top' to a situation

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  • they might have sudden outbursts, slam doors or throw objects across the classroom

  • Girls may not be diagnosed until much later than boys meaning they get less support.

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  • Impairing internalising behaviours are more common e.g. anxiety, low self-esteem.

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  • They may be more emotional and sensitive, excitable or teary and lack the skills for emotional regulation.

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  • Boys and girls show similar difficulties with executive function and working memory and so both need extra support to learn well.

Information taken from the following sources:

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Bauermeister, J.J., Shrout, P.E., Chávez, L., Rubio-Stipec, M., Ramírez, R., Padilla, L., et al. (2007). ADHD and gender: are risks and sequela of ADHD the same for boys and girls?. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 48(8):831-9.doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2007.01750.x

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Ghanizadeh A. Psychometric analysis of the new ADHD DSM-V derived symptoms. BMC Psychiatry. 2012;12:21. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-12-21

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Skogli, E. W., Teicher, M. H., Andersen, P. N., Hovik, K. T., & Øie, M. (2013). ADHD in girls and boys--gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC psychiatry, 13, 298. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-298

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