ADHD in Women and Girls: Why It’s Often Overlooked | Adulting with ADHD Podcast

The reality is far more complex—and for women and girls with ADHD, that complexity often means going undiagnosed for years.

When you picture someone with ADHD, chances are your mental image skews male. Historically, ADHD has been associated with hyperactive boys who struggle to sit still or focus in class. 

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The Gender Gap in ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD looks different in women and girls. While boys are more likely to show externalized symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity, girls often present with more internalized signs—daydreaming, emotional sensitivity, and difficulty focusing. These subtler symptoms are easily dismissed as personality traits or blamed on anxiety or depression, leading to a significant gap in diagnosis.

For many women, ADHD isn’t recognized until adulthood—often after their own children are diagnosed. They begin to connect the dots: struggles with organization, chronic overwhelm, emotional regulation issues, and a constant sense of falling behind despite best efforts.

The Hidden Struggle

The experience of living with undiagnosed ADHD can be isolating. Society places heavy expectations on women to be organized, nurturing, and on top of everything. For women with ADHD, these expectations can feel crushing. Tasks that seem simple for others—like paying bills on time or keeping a tidy home—can become overwhelming obstacles.

Many women learn to mask their symptoms, developing coping strategies that hide their struggles from the outside world. But masking comes at a cost: chronic stress, burnout, and a persistent feeling of inadequacy.

Changing the Narrative

Thankfully, awareness of ADHD in women and girls is growing. More healthcare providers are recognizing how ADHD manifests differently based on gender, leading to better support and earlier diagnoses. Women are also sharing their stories, helping to break the stigma and build a sense of community.

The key takeaway? ADHD isn’t just a “boy thing.” It affects women and girls too—often in ways that go unnoticed. Recognizing the signs and offering support can make all the difference. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just beginning to question if ADHD might be part of your story, know that you’re not alone. There’s a growing community of women navigating the same path, and your experiences are valid and worth exploring.

In this episode, let's explore the gender gap in diagnosis and bring awareness to this important issue.