Why ADHD in Girls Often Goes Undiagnosed — What Parents Must Know
For decades, ADHD has been viewed as a “boy problem.”
Fidgety. Loud. Hyperactive. Disruptive.
But girls with ADHD don’t always present this way.
In fact, half of girls with ADHD go undiagnosed until adulthood (Child Mind Institute, 2023).
Why?
Because girls often mask their symptoms—hiding their struggles behind politeness, perfectionism, shyness, or people-pleasing.
At Skill Time, we’re on a mission to help parents and educators recognize the signs early—before symptoms turn into anxiety, depression, or self-esteem issues.
Why ADHD Looks Different in Girls
1. Girls Show More Inattention, Less Hyperactivity
Girls may:
stare into space
lose things
forget instructions
fall behind academically
struggle to stay organized
quietly daydream
Teachers often say:
“She’s sweet, just a little scattered.”
Not realizing these are signs of inattentive ADHD.
2. Girls Learn to Mask Their Struggles
Research shows girls use behaviors like:
copying peers
staying quiet to avoid attention
pretending to follow along
overworking to compensate
Masking helps them fit in—but leaves them exhausted.
3. Emotional Symptoms Are Often Misinterpreted
Girls with ADHD may show:
anxiety
sensitivity
emotional outbursts
low frustration tolerance
perfectionism
Instead of diagnosing ADHD, people often label girls as:
“dramatic,”
“moody,”
or “overly emotional.”
4. Girls Often Internalize Their Struggles
Unlike boys who act outwardly, girls tend to turn struggles inward.
This can lead to:
low self-esteem
shame
depression
social anxiety
people-pleasing
fear of failure
Skill Time focuses on helping girls break this cycle early.
Common Symptoms of ADHD in Girls
✔ Daydreaming often
✔ Talking excessively
✔ Difficulty focusing on schoolwork
✔ Forgetting or losing items
✔ Disorganized backpacks or rooms
✔ Avoiding tasks that take effort
✔ Easily overwhelmed
✔ Emotional sensitivity
✔ Messy handwriting
✔ “Shy,” “quiet,” or “withdrawn” traits
✔ Friendship struggles
How ADHD Impacts Girls Socially
Girls often experience:
friendship drama
rejection sensitivity
trouble reading social cues
interruptions during conversations
intense emotional reactions
These can lead to social isolation if not addressed.
How Skill Time Helps Girls with ADHD Thrive
Our approach includes:
✔ Executive function coaching
✔ Emotional regulation
✔ Social skills training
✔ Mind-body strategies
✔ Academic support
✔ Parent training
✔ Play-based therapy
We help girls build confidence, communication, and coping strategies that strengthen lifelong success.
👉 Book a Routine-Building Consultation
Get a personalized ADHD-friendly routine for your child.
Start Today →
Address: 3379 Peachtree Road NE (Buckhead), Suite 655,
Atlanta, GA 30326
Email Us: [email protected]
Phone:(484) 699-7855