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ADHD has long been associated with the image of the restless little boy. Yet girls can also have ADHD. In them, it often goes unnoticed, because it shows up differently. Here is why and how to spot it better. Better recognising ADHD in girls spares them years of misunderstood difficulties.
Girls more often show an inattentive form, without visible restlessness. They daydream, get distracted, forget things, but rarely disrupt the class. Their difficulties therefore go unnoticed. Their difficulties are then put down to shyness or daydreaming. Diagnosis is delayed.
This point is explained step by step in Inattentive ADHD.
Many girls compensate by working harder, over-adapting, and hiding their difficulties. This compensation costs a great deal of energy and often ends up exhausting them by secondary school or sixth form. They may appear serious in class while being exhausted in the evening. This tiredness is a signal not to be overlooked.
To go further, read our article ADHD and fatigue.
Daydreaming, disorganisation, forgetfulness, slowness, chattiness, strong emotional sensitivity, relationship difficulties, perfectionism or, on the contrary, quick abandonment of tasks: these signs can be alarming. These signs may vary depending on age and context.
The hyperactivity may also be present, sometimes in a more verbal form.
We detail this point in The signs of ADHD in children.
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Girls are on average diagnosed later than boys. Some are only diagnosed in adulthood, after years of misunderstood difficulties. This delay can have consequences for schooling and self-esteem.
This subject is developed in our page ADHD in women.
Anxiety, lower self-esteem, sadness, and academic and relationship difficulties are common when ADHD is not recognised. It is important not to stop at these disorders and to look for a possible underlying ADHD.
These associated disorders can mask ADHD itself.
You will find more details in the article ADHD and anxiety.
Parents and teachers can be attentive to girls who are daydreamy, disorganised, very tired or emotionally distressed. A gap between abilities and results should also raise questions. If in doubt, speak to your GP, who can provide guidance.
Our article ADHD: when to be concerned complements this advice.
Diagnosis follows the same process as for boys. Support must take into account anxiety and self-esteem, which are often fragile. A diagnosis, even a late one, often brings great relief.
To explore further, see How to tell whether my child has ADHD.
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Yes, but it is often identified later than in boys. The inattentive form is common.
Because girls more often show an inattentive form and compensate for their difficulties. They often compensate.
Daydreaming, disorganisation, tiredness, emotional sensitivity and a gap between abilities and results. The diagnosis is often late.
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