5 Signs Your Daughter May Have Undiagnosed ADHD: Part 1
Nail Biting or Skin Picking
Does your daughter bite her nails or pick at her skin? These behaviors are often subtle indicators of hyperactivity in girls. Unlike the typical image of hyperactive boys bouncing off walls, hyperactivity in girls can present in less obvious ways.
Difficulty Remembering Verbal Instructions
If your daughter struggles to remember verbal instructions that have more than 1 or 2 steps, this could be a sign of challenges with working memory—a common symptom of ADHD. It can be particularly frustrating for kids when they’re expected to follow long or complex directions.
High Levels of Anxiety
Many girls who have ADHD are instead diagnosed with anxiety. While anxiety may be present, it can mask the underlying ADHD. Girls often internalize their struggles, leading to anxious feelings that are mistaken for an anxiety disorder when ADHD is the root cause.
4. Hyperfocus on Interests
If your daughter can focus for hours on things she loves, it’s called
hyperfocus. While some might argue this means she doesn’t have
ADHD, the truth is that ADHD doesn’t mean a lack of focus—it’s
about inconsistent focus. Hyperfocus is a common but
misunderstood trait in girls with ADHD.
5. Short Attention Span for Boring or
Difficult Tasks
Tasks that are uninteresting or complex can be tough for children
with ADHD. The ADHD brain is deficient in dopamine, which
makes it hard to stay focused on activities that don’t provide
immediate rewards. If your daughter struggles with boring or
challenging tasks, this could be a sign of ADHD.
Understanding ADHD in Girls
The idea that only hyperactive, energetic kids who can’t sit still have ADHD is an outdated stereotype rooted in gender bias. Because ADHD in girls looks different from how it presents in boys, many girls go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving their symptoms untreated.
This has long-term consequences for their self-esteem and success.
By broadening our understanding of how ADHD manifests in girls, we can help parents, teachers, doctors, and mental health professionals better recognize the signs. Early identification and treatment can give girls the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
It’s time to change the conversation around ADHD. Recognizing how it shows up differently in girls allows us to provide the proper care and support they deserve.
Sera Gray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arizona. As a neurodivergent therapist with ADHD, she is passionate about providing neurodivergent-affirming care to Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and adults with ADHD and trauma. When she’s not in therapy sessions she can be found with her nose in a book, hanging out in the forest or spending time with her family. Click here to learn more about Sera and here to schedule a free consultation.