Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and, its ‘sister’ condition, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are classed as neurodevelopmental disorders that affects both boys and girls, but the way it manifests can differ significantly between the two genders.
While ADHD/ADD is commonly associated with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, it is essential to recognise the unique challenges faced by girls and boys with ADHD/ADD.
This article aims to highlight some of the key differences in how ADHD/ADD may manifest in girls versus boys.
Every child and young person with ADHD/ADD will be affected in their own unique ways, but gaining an understanding what additional challenges girls and boys with ADHD/ADD may face helps us provide better support and understanding to help them thrive and understand themselves better.
Presentation of Symptoms:
Boys with ADHD often exhibit more overt hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours. They may be more prone to physical restlessness, interrupting others, and engaging in high-energy activities.
Girls with ADHD on the other hand, might display less noticeable hyperactivity.
Instead, they tend to exhibit internal symptoms such as daydreaming, inattentiveness, and a tendency to be forgetful.
Girls may also struggle more with organisation and time management skills, although this is a prevalent challenge for both boys and girls.
Social Implications:
Socially, boys with ADHD may face challenges due to impulsive behaviour and difficulty regulating emotions.
They might struggle with forming and maintaining friendships, and disruptive behaviour in a classroom setting can impact their social interactions.
Girls with ADHD often internalize their struggles, leading to difficulties in social relationships.
They may experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The quiet, inattentive nature of their symptoms can make it harder for others to recognize their need for support.
Academic Performance:
Academic challenges for boys with ADHD may be evident in their difficulty sitting still, staying focused, and completing assignments on time.
Their impulsivity might lead to hasty mistakes and inconsistent academic performance.
Girls with ADHD will also face academic struggles related to inattention and organisational issues.
Their performance may also be hindered by difficulties in completing assignments, staying organised, and managing time effectively.
Recognition and Diagnosis:
ADHD symptoms in boys often align more closely with traditional stereotypes of the disorder, making it relatively easier for educators and parents to recognize and seek a diagnosis.
Boys also tend to exhibit more disruptive behaviour, which often incentivises schools to seek a diagnosis and extra resources and support.
The subtler nature of symptoms in girls can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Girls tend to internalise their inattention and hyperactivity – daydreaming or having a ‘butterfly’ mind.
They may not be disruptive, and may sit unnoticed, at the back of the class with their minds elsewhere.
Girls may try to suppress their hyperactivity inclination because of the expectation society imposes on girls to behave ‘nicely’ and please adults.
Due to their ability to mask symptoms, girls may not receive the support they need until later in life.
Coping Mechanisms:
Boys may employ physical outlets to cope with excess energy, such as sports or other high-energy activities.
Behavioural interventions and structured routines can also be effective for managing their symptoms.
Girls might develop coping mechanisms that involve internalizing stress, leading to anxiety and emotional challenges.
Creating a supportive environment that encourages open communication is crucial for their well-being.
Supporting boys and girls:
ADHD/ADD affects individuals differently, and understanding the distinctions in how it manifests in boys and girls is crucial for effective intervention and support.
Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by both genders can contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic approach to managing ADHD.
By fostering awareness and providing tailored support, we can empower individuals with ADHD/ADD to navigate their academic, social, and personal lives more successfully.