Why girls with ADHD are often missed

WHEN you think of ADHD, you might imagine a loud, energetic boy who can't sit still.

- STAFF REPORTER

But that image often leaves girls with ADHD invisible-quietly struggling under the radar. Girls are more likely to internalise symptoms, masking their challenges as daydreaming, shyness or perfectionism. Because of this, many girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all until much later.

Why is it that so many girls with ADHD are either missed completely or only diagnosed much later than boys? There are several contributing factors - here are some of the key things to keep in mind if you're raising a daughter who might be neurodivergent.

How symptoms show up

ADHD can look quite different in girls compared to boys. While boys often present with clear signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, girls may seem distracted, overly chatty, disorganised, emotionally sensitive, or frequently lost in thought.

The pressure to “be good”