After being diagnosed in my 40s, I learned that ADHD is commonly missed in girls due to the way it presents. While boys tend to present with behavioural issues related to outward signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, leading to diagnosis early in childhood, girls tend to an inattentive presentation that is much less obvious and missed more often than not.
Additionally, symptoms of ADHD in girls are often misattributed to daydreaming, being chatty, quirky or “ditzy”. It is common to misdiagnose girls with an anxiety disorder, which fails to address underlying ADHD as part of the cause of their anxiety. Thanks to growing awareness of ADHD in girls, more women are being diagnosed than ever before, often later in life once they are parents of kids with ADHD or when they enter perimenopause.
Adult ADHD affects everything from our relationships and employment to our mental, emotional, physical and financial health. From my experience, a diagnosis of ADHD is bittersweet and can be incredibly validating and empowering. Despite a number of challenges, women with ADHD can feel better and even thrive, but this requires a combination of education, coaching, therapy and medication.
If you think that you or somebody you love might have ADHD, the following resources will help you take the first steps toward obtaining a diagnosis.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is a doctor-patient relationship formed when you read or engage with my content. If you have questions about how this applies to you or your loved one, be sure to seek the care of a qualified healthcare provider.
ADHD in Women: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
This is a must-read for women with suspected ADHD as well as parents of girls.
Adult ADHD Online Test
This test takes approximately 3-10 minutes to complete. You will be asked to share your email address with add.org in order to obtain your results and their recommendations for next steps. Alternatively you may download the paper version, below.
ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell MD and John J. Ratey MD.
“New science and essential strategies for thriving with distraction – from childhood through adulthood”. This is an empowering and helpful read for people with ADHD and the people who love them.
Download the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, below.
Share the completed questionnaire with a qualified healthcare provider who can interpret your responses and recommend next steps.
If you found this post helpful, please share it! We can do so much better for women and girls with ADHD, and it starts with education and awareness.
Aranka Jones 
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