How Girls Present with ADHD: The Signs to Look Out For

ADHD can affect anyone but, for too long, the way it shows up in girls has been overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. At Beyond Clinics, we often work with girls and women whose experiences have gone unrecognised for years. Their struggles were real, but because they didn’t match the stereotypical picture of ADHD – disruptive, hyperactive, fidgety – they were brushed off as daydreamers, perfectionists, or ‘just anxious’. The truth is, ADHD presents differently in girls, and it's time we paid closer attention.

Why ADHD in Girls Often Goes Undiagnosed.

Historically, ADHD has been diagnosed far more often in boys than in girls. This is partly because boys tend to exhibit more externalised behaviours, such as physical hyperactivity or impulsivity, while girls are more likely to internalise their struggles. Girls often work hard to mask their difficulties. They might appear quiet, compliant, or well-behaved in the classroom, even as they struggle to keep up, stay focused, or manage their emotions. This masking makes it harder for teachers, parents, and even clinicians to identify what’s really going on. Without the right diagnosis and support, many girls are left to navigate their challenges alone, often developing anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression along the way.

Common Symptoms of ADHD in Girls.

Not every girl with ADHD will display all of these signs, and their severity can vary. But here are some of the most common ways ADHD tends to present in girls.

Inattention.

• Difficulty staying focused on tasks, especially when they’re repetitive or unstimulating

• Forgetting instructions, chores, or school assignments

• Frequently losing things (homework, books, phones)

• Trouble organising time, belongings, or priorities

Inattentiveness can often be mistaken for laziness or lack of motivation, but in reality, it's a reflection of how the ADHD brain processes information and maintains focus.

Daydreaming.

Many girls with ADHD spend a lot of time ‘in their own world’ – a form of mental wandering that’s often misinterpreted as shyness or a lack of interest. They may seem quiet or disengaged, when in fact they’re simply struggling to concentrate or manage competing thoughts.

Emotional Dysregulation.

Intense emotions are common in girls with ADHD. They may:

• Have frequent mood swings

• Feel overwhelmed by small setbacks

• Struggle with frustration or emotional outbursts

• Be very sensitive to perceived rejection or criticism

This emotional intensity is often internalised and may contribute to co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

Impulsivity.

While girls may not be physically impulsive in the same way boys sometimes are, they may still interrupt conversations without meaning to, make quick decisions without considering consequences, act on emotions rather than logic, and take social or academic risks without understanding the fallout.

Hyperactivity.

For girls, hyperactivity is often more internal than external. Instead of bouncing around a room, it might look like:

• Excessive talking

• Racing thoughts or an inability to relax

• Difficulty winding down at night

• Always needing to be ‘on the go’ mentally or emotionally

Organisation and Time Management.

Girls with ADHD may forget appointments, homework or deadlines, or struggle to keep their room, desk or backpack tidy. They will often feel overwhelmed by routines and schedules and start tasks that they rarely finish. These challenges are often seen as disorganisation or carelessness, when in fact they reflect genuine neurological differences in executive functioning.

Low Self-Esteem.

Girls with ADHD often compare themselves unfavourably to peers who seem more put together. When they don’t meet their own expectations or others’, they may blame themselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy, avoidance of challenges, and a reluctance to ask for help.

Perfectionism.

Some girls develop perfectionism as a way to compensate for their difficulties. This commonly leads to girls setting extremely high standards, spending hours on tasks that others complete very quickly, constantly worrying about making mistakes, and feeling like, whatever they do, it will never be good enough. While this can drive academic success, it often comes at the cost of mental and emotional wellbeing.

Social Challenges.

Social challenges are also common. For example, many girls with ADHD have difficulties reading social cues or picking up on subtle dynamics. This can lead to them interrupting or dominating conversations, or being seen as too intense, talkative, or emotionally reactive. Other consequences include a difficulty to form or maintain meaningful friendships, even when they really care. Many girls with ADHD want to connect, but the social rules don’t always come naturally to them.

The Importance of Early Identification.

When ADHD in girls goes unrecognised, it doesn’t go away but it does become harder to spot. Over time, girls may internalise their struggles, develop unhelpful coping strategies, or be diagnosed with other conditions (like anxiety or depression) without the underlying ADHD ever being addressed. Early diagnosis, tailored support, and understanding can transform outcomes for girls with ADHD – academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Beyond, we understand the nuances of ADHD in girls. Our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurse specialists, and mental health professionals are highly experienced in recognising the less visible signs and helping each individual feel seen, supported, and empowered. We offer online or face-to-face assessments, allowing access to care in a way that works for your family.

What Makes Us Different?

Beyond Clinics are led by lived experience. We’ve been through the process ourselves and have built Beyond to offer the kind of service we wish we’d had. Because of this, we have a comprehensive, personalised approach and our assessment process is robust, thoughtful, and adapted to the needs of girls and women. We also place a huge importance on post-diagnosis support: from help with school adjustments to ongoing contact with our clinical team, we’re here for the long haul. 

With the right diagnosis, support plan, and an understanding environment, girls with ADHD can absolutely thrive. If you’re concerned your daughter or a girl in your care might be struggling with ADHD, we’re here to listen. Contact Beyond Clinics for a confidential chat or book an ADHD assessment for children today.