Why Are ADHD Girls Overlooked? Understanding the Hidden Struggles

The Gender Gap in ADHD Diagnosis

Well, it’s a sad truth, but ADHD in girls is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. This reality might sound surprising to some, but when you take a deeper look into it, the reasons become clearer. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is typically associated with disruptive, hyperactive behavior. Most people think of the stereotypical "wild child" when they think of ADHD, right? But here’s the catch: this image doesn’t always apply to girls.

Actually, I have a friend who was diagnosed with ADHD only in her 30s. She told me how her childhood was filled with misinterpretations of her behavior — teachers thought she was just "daydreaming" or "lazy," when in reality, she was struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. Her experience made me realize just how gender biases can cloud ADHD recognition, especially in girls.

Why is ADHD less recognized in girls?

You might be wondering, why does this happen? Well, girls often show ADHD symptoms differently from boys. Instead of being hyperactive and disruptive, many girls with ADHD tend to be more inattentive. They may struggle to stay focused, feel overwhelmed by tasks, or have difficulty organizing their thoughts and time. These behaviors are often less obvious and are frequently written off as laziness or a lack of effort.

When I talked to my friend about her ADHD diagnosis, she mentioned that as a child, she was always seen as the "quiet one," someone who wasn’t getting into trouble but was also quietly falling behind. It took years before she was given the proper diagnosis. Imagine how many girls go through this same experience without ever getting the support they need.

Symptoms in Girls: More Subtle, More Invisible

Actually, one of the most frustrating things about ADHD in girls is that it often doesn’t fit the traditional mold of what we expect ADHD symptoms to look like. ADHD in girls often manifests in ways that are more internalized, such as:

• Daydreaming or zoning out: Girls with ADHD might appear lost in thought, daydreaming, or not paying attention, especially in class.

• Poor organization and time management: Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time is a common symptom that gets overlooked because it’s often mistaken for laziness.

• Emotional dysregulation: Girls might struggle with emotional control, leading to heightened sensitivity, mood swings, or difficulty coping with stress.

The thing is, these symptoms are not as disruptive as the stereotypical ADHD behaviors we associate with boys. And this is where the problem lies. Teachers, parents, and even medical professionals may not recognize these subtler symptoms as indicative of ADHD. This is exactly what happened with my friend; because she wasn't "acting out," no one ever thought to look deeper into why she was struggling with schoolwork.

ADHD and Social Expectations for Girls

Frustratingly, society often has different expectations for girls compared to boys. Girls are socialized to be more compliant, calm, and well-behaved, so when they show signs of ADHD, these signs are easily dismissed as personality flaws or lack of effort. If a boy is bouncing off the walls or getting in trouble at school, it's easier for people to connect that with ADHD. But when a girl has trouble focusing, she might just be labeled as "shy" or "disorganized."

I remember another conversation I had with a colleague who has a daughter recently diagnosed with ADHD. She shared how her daughter’s struggles were dismissed at first because she wasn’t outwardly hyperactive. The teachers just thought she was introverted or not trying hard enough. It wasn’t until they dug deeper that they realized the root of the issue.

The Long-Term Effects of Overlooking ADHD in Girls

So, what happens when girls with ADHD go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed? Honestly, the consequences can be significant. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to years of struggling academically, low self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression. The frustration of not being understood can lead to feelings of inadequacy, which can affect everything from school performance to social relationships.

It’s heartbreaking, really. My friend told me how difficult it was for her growing up because she thought she was just "bad at school." She had no idea that there was a reason behind her struggles — it wasn’t that she wasn’t trying; she just wasn’t being supported in the right way. After getting her diagnosis as an adult, she said it felt like a weight had been lifted. But, she added, it also made her sad to think about all the wasted years.

How Can We Better Support Girls with ADHD?

Alright, now that we’ve explored the why and how, let’s talk about what we can do. If you're a parent, teacher, or healthcare provider, understanding the unique ways ADHD presents in girls can make a huge difference.

Early Identification and Diagnosis

The first step is early identification. Girls may need more focused attention to ensure they’re not overlooked. Educators and parents should be aware of the less obvious symptoms of ADHD in girls, such as difficulty staying organized, frequent daydreaming, or feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork. By paying close attention to these signs, we can provide the necessary support earlier.

Creating Supportive Environments

Actually, creating a supportive environment for girls with ADHD is key. This includes structure, routines, and positive reinforcement. Girls with ADHD thrive in environments where they feel safe to express themselves and are given the tools they need to manage their symptoms. I know that when my friend finally got the right support, including therapy and a better school environment, her confidence skyrocketed. She finally felt like she could excel, not because she changed who she was, but because she was given the right tools.

Conclusion: Recognizing and Supporting ADHD in Girls

Honestly, ADHD in girls is a challenge that’s been ignored for too long. The stereotypes, the gender biases, and the failure to recognize subtle symptoms have led to years of underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. If we want to ensure that girls get the support they need, we have to change the way we look at ADHD — especially when it comes to girls.

It’s about time we stop overlooking the unique ways ADHD manifests in girls and give them the attention, understanding, and resources they deserve. Because when they get the help they need, they can truly thrive.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.