09/02/2021
An important note on girls with ADHD:
It's true that many ADHD girls, particularly ADD girls, are overlooked and not diagnosed. Girls don't have overt behavior problems and aren't disruptive to the class. The girls will usually pass exams with 60s or 70's (not failing), are "good" girls, maybe daydreamers, so are not referred for evaluation. They often fall between the cracks.
These girls, who are often bright, don't reach their academic potential as no help is received to treat the underlying attention and/or impulsivity problems. They will feel inferior and think that something is wrong with them, causing low self esteem. The feelings of poor self worth are the most damaging effect of the untreated problem, as this affects their whole lives by lowering their academic ambitions, limiting their career options, having less perseverance in face of difficulties, and less productivity in general.
The theme of "I won't be able to do this" and the subsequent lack of persistence and under achievement, will permeate every aspect of their lives. That is why it is so important that these girls receive needed attention.
In my clinic I analyze if undiagnosed ADHD can be an underlying factor in the child's difficulties, and I look for any supporting evidence of that. I will explore other factors that might be responsible in addition or independently. I create and implement a total treatment plan for which I've seen truly amazing results: these girls can thrive and reach for the sky, their whole life turned around to one of success, confidence, and self-worth. It's a remarkable transformation.
In this video I highlight the different ways ADHD symptoms tend to express themselves in girls. For a better sense of ADHD in general check out "How to Know ...
