When most people think about ADHD, the image that comes to mind is a young boy bouncing off the walls, running, fidgeting, inattentive, impulsively blurting out answers, or unable to sit still in class and follow instructions. This picture has shaped how society recognizes the condition, but it tells only part of the story. ADHD looks very different in girls and women and for too long, their experiences of have been overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed.
Although the ADHD model above is not incorrect, in truth it is only one aspect of the neurodivergence that is experienced by those who have ADHD. While ADHD may manifest as outward hyperactivity in boys; neurodivergent traits in girls and women often appear more subtle and internalized, leading to misdiagnoses like anxiety, depression and executive functioning issues like time management and organization challenges.
How ADHD Shows Up in Women
Unlike the stereotypical “restless male” model, women with ADHD often experience symptoms that are less visible but equally impactful. Instead of hyperactivity, many girls and women struggle with inattention. They may find it difficult to focus, manage time, or complete tasks in daily life. Emotional reactivity is also common, meaning their responses to life shift between overreaction to under-reaction and shut-down. Women may experience heightened sensitivity, strong responses to perceived rejection, or frequent mood fluctuations. On top of this, many carry the invisible exhaustion of trying to hold everything together while silently battling the struggle of feeling constantly overwhelmed.
Why ADHD in Women is Often Missed
Historically, research and diagnostic criteria for ADHD were based almost entirely on boys’ behaviour and responses. As a result, generations of girls and women have been undiagnosed until later in life. Women are more likely to present with the more subtle, inattentive subtype, which doesn’t disrupt classrooms but can still wreak havoc on daily life, careers, and relationships.
Recent studies now indicate that hormonal changes throughout a woman’s lifespan, including puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can intensify ADHD symptoms. These fluctuations add layers of complexity that have contributed to the condition being under-recognized by healthcare providers for decades.
The Strengths of ADHD in Women
While ADHD brings challenges, it also comes with powerful strengths that deserve recognition. Women with ADHD are often deeply creative and innovative, generating fresh, original ideas by thinking outside the box. Years of navigating obstacles can foster resilience, determination, and adaptability in our female population. Their heightened sensitivity often translates into profound empathy and intuition, making women especially attuned to the needs and emotions of others.
These traits fuel entrepreneurship, leadership, artistry, and activism. In short, women with ADHD bring brilliance, ingenuity, and vibrancy to every space they occupy.
Behind-the-Scene Realities for Women with ADHD
- Late diagnosis is common – many women aren’t assessed until well into their 30s and beyond, sometimes only after one of their children or another family member has been evaluated.
- Under reporting – Internalized symptoms like inattention, disorganization and emotional dysregulation lead to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
- Masking is real – societal pressures can push women to hide their symptoms and overcompensate to appear “together,” which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
- Hyperfocus can be a superpower – despite everyday struggles with attention, women with ADHD often dive deeply into passions or projects with incredible results.
- Entrepreneurial spirit – studies show people with ADHD are more likely to pursue entrepreneurship. Their creativity, risk-taking and innovative thinking doesn’t always align with the typical 9-5 box.
- Famous role models – public figures like Solange Knowles and Simone Biles have spoken openly about ADHD, helping to normalize the conversation and inspire others.
This October, let’s expand the narrative. Let’s celebrate neurodivergent women with ADHD, not only for the ways they overcome obstacles, but for the brilliance, creativity, and spark they bring to the world.
Women with ADHD aren’t just overcoming obstacles! They are reshaping industries, communities, and futures with their creativity and resilience. Awareness incorporates recognition, acceptance, and celebration.
Simone Usselman-Tod CCP, TICC, RMT, CEBP
The Goal Accelerator Coach
