5 November 2025
Why ADHD in Women and Girls Is Often Missed — And Why It Matters
At Mindright, we’re seeing a growing number of women and girls who arrive in our clinic feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or burned out — often after years of masking or misdiagnosed struggles. For many of them, the answer has a name they never considered: ADHD.
While ADHD has long been seen as a disorder characterised by hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, we now know that this is only one presentation. In fact, ADHD in females often looks very different — and because of this, many girls and women are overlooked, misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all until adulthood.
What ADHD Can Look Like in Girls and Women
Instead of external behaviours like acting out or disrupting class, girls with ADHD are more likely to:
- Daydream and “tune out”
- Be quietly disorganised or forgetful
- Struggle with perfectionism and anxiety
- Work twice as hard to keep up, then crash
- Be labelled as “sensitive,” “lazy,” or “emotional”
- Mask their difficulties through people-pleasing or high achievement
As they move into adulthood, these patterns can evolve into chronic overwhelm, burnout, low self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression. Many women with undiagnosed ADHD blame themselves for not coping the way others seem to — without realising they’ve been managing a neurodevelopmental condition with no support.
Why Diagnosis and Support Matter
Getting a correct diagnosis — even later in life — can be life-changing.
It offers an explanation (not an excuse) for the challenges that many women have internalised as personal failings. It allows for tailored strategies, self-compassion, and sometimes medication or therapy that can reduce years of struggle.
Support might involve:
- Executive function coaching
- Cognitive-behavioural strategies
- ADHD-informed therapy
- Parent support for girls navigating school and friendships
- Working through shame, identity, or relationship challenges
What You Can Do
If you’re a parent of a girl who’s bright but always exhausted, disorganised, or melting down after school — it’s worth considering whether ADHD could be playing a role. If you’re an adult woman who’s always felt “a step behind” or “too much,” you’re not alone — and you’re not broken.
How We Can Help at Mindright
At Mindright, our clinicians offer neurodiversity-affirming assessments and support for ADHD in women and girls. We understand the emotional toll of being misread or overlooked — and we’re here to provide insight, tools, and strategies that truly fit how your brain works.
Because when you understand your brain, you can change your story.