What if Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in girls isn’t actually rare, but just rarely recognized? In a study published by the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, researcher Charlotte Skoglund found that girls with ADHD are diagnosed about four years later than boys are, meaning many go years without a diagnosis because their symptoms don’t match common stereotypes.
ADHD in girls is often overlooked because it presents differently compared to boys. While early diagnosis is possible, many girls go undiagnosed for years and struggle with confidence, school and mental health without understanding why.
This developmental condition is characterised by five main ongoing patterns: difficulty paying attention, staying organized, emotional dysregulation, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Boys are diagnosed around age four, typically showing externalized, hyperactive, and disruptive behaviors. Girls, however, tend to be diagnosed later, around age 12, because they are more likely to show inattentive, quiet and internalized symptoms. It’s possible to recognize ADHD earlier in girls by looking beyond the “hyperactive boy” stereotype and rather for the traits that are harder to physically see.
At 15 years old I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD after struggling for years to stay focused. Before my diagnosis, I spent more time trying to understand materials and continuously felt like I was falling behind my peers, even while trying my best. After starting medication and receiving support, I noticed a significant change in my ability to focus and keep up with my work.
Thomas J. Spencer, a psychiatrist and researcher known for his work on ADHD, stated in a case study from 2005 that 70 to 80 percent of individuals with ADHD report medication as the most effective for managing symptoms. This means that most participants experienced improvements in focus, impulsivity and daily functioning when using a prescribed medication. It also suggests that ADHD can be effectively treated when properly diagnosed and supported. This study highlights the importance of early identification, since earlier diagnosis allows individuals to access treatment sooner and improve their quality of life at an earlier stage.
Our school and community can play a huge role in improving how early ADHD is recognized in girls. By spreading awareness on how ADHD presents differently, it will become way easier for important figures in our community, such as teachers, parents and friends, to notice quieter signs such as difficulty focusing, disorganization or frequent daydreaming. Once these behaviors are better understood, they are less likely to be overlooked or misinterpreted and people can get support faster.
Because ADHD presents itself differently, many girls go years without understanding their academic or social struggles. In a school environment like Redwood, raising awareness of how ADHD presents differently can help students receive support sooner and avoid years of confusion and self-doubt.
