Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has long been thought of as a condition affecting males. But, more girls are being diagnosed as the understanding of the condition intensifies. Girls are more expected to have inattentive ADHD, in which shyness and daydreaming are common, while it is more typical for boys to have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD or combined presentation.
Living with undiagnosed ADHD can lead to drawbacks, such as low self-esteem, a lack of accommodations in the classroom, and self-blame. Gone undiagnosed, ADHD can even affect mental health well into adulthood and adolescence. Being aware of the various ways ADHD can present in your daughter can help you know when it may be time to see a doctor for an assessment.
Hadar Swersky says that ADHD symptoms can manifest in a different way in every child. You can have a boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD, but never considered that your daughter who is having trouble in school may also have it too as her issues seem so different from the boy. ADHD symptoms in girls are often thought of as girl’s personality instead of ADHD, which is why they are often overlooked or explained away. It is much simpler to identify a child who is defiant and physically active as someone that would advantage from an ADHD evaluation than someone who seems distracted or distant. In girls, ADHD signs and symptoms tend to have these fundamental commonalities.
Signs and Symptoms
Hadar Swersky says that not all girls with ADHD will exhibit all of the below mentioned signs and symptoms. Having one or two of these does not equal an ADHD diagnosis in and of itself. But, if a girl daughter seems to exhibit a few of these symptoms on a continual basis, a discussion with an experienced professional may be helpful.
• Cries easily
• Appears withdrawn
• Disorganized and messy (in her appearance and physical space)
• Daydreaming and in a world of her own
• Difficulty maintaining focus; easily distracted
• Doesn’t seem motivated
• Doesn’t appear to be trying
• Forgetful
• Hyper-talkative (always has lots to say, but is not good at listening)
• Highly sensitive to noise, fabrics, and emotions
• Hyperreactivity (exaggerated emotional responses)
• Might often slam her doors shut
• Looks to be making “careless” mistakes
• Often late (poor time management)
• Seems shy
• Problems completing tasks
• Seems to get easily upset
• Takes time to process information and directions; seems like she doesn’t hear you
• Shifting focus from one activity to another
• Verbally impulsive; blurts out and interrupts others
Hadar Swersky says if ADHD is diagnosed, it can be managed and treated. Interventions can be put in place, including organizational strategies, behavior management techniques, support, counseling, and medication. Just knowing she has ADHD can ease a girl of a huge burden of culpability and shame. By contacting an expert or a professional strategies can be put in place to make life a little easier and her future much brighter.
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