Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys, 6% of all girls between 3-17 in the US are currently diagnosed with it. You may be wondering how ADHD in girls manifests in comparison to boys. The signs and symptoms of ADHD can be very different for girls, which is why properly diagnosing girls has been difficult in the past. In this post, we’re going to discuss ADHD in girls and go over the symptoms and signs. We’ll also look at ADHD management so you can get the right treatment for your child. Without proper diagnosis, ADHD can prevent classroom success, result in low self-esteem, and have long-term mental health effects. Keep reading and you’ll have a better idea of what ADHD is and how it works.
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ADHD Management
So you’re navigating the ADHD journey with your daughter—welcome to the club! Figuring out what works best isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Some kids do great with a few lifestyle tweaks and regular chats with a counselor. Others might need a mix of behavioral therapy and medication. Here’s a golden nugget: visual scheduling and reward tracking are like secret weapons. They can be game-changers in helping your daughter manage her ADHD symptoms. So why not give these tools a spin? They’re super parent-approved.
Read More: ADHD Meltdowns at Bedtime: What to Do
| ADHD Management in Girls | |
|---|---|
| Severity Based Management | Management depends on the severity of ADHD in girls. Options range from simple counseling and organizational methods to behavioral therapy and ADHD medication. |
| Visual Scheduling and Reward Tracking | Using visual scheduling and reward tracking are effective methods to manage ADHD symptoms. They help your daughter stay organized and motivated. |
| Goally: A Handy Tool | Goally is an app that many families with a child having ADHD find useful. It offers features like: Visual schedules Points-based game play for motivation Tools to learn emotional regulation skills Customizable checklists and reminders Word games and more It’s easy to set up via an easy-to-use web portal and you can customize your Goally in under 10 minutes. |
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
Symptoms of ADHD in Girls vs. Other Children
ADHD in girls often manifests differently than the stereotypical behaviors associated with the condition. Instead of the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD seen frequently in boys, girls generally exhibit a contrasting set of symptoms. Parents who recognize these variations can better identify potential signs in their daughters. Girls with ADHD may struggle with maintaining concentration, have a propensity for daydreaming, display forgetfulness, and face organizational challenges. Unlike boys, they may not show signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. It’s crucial for parents to comprehend these nuances to facilitate prompt identification and suitable assistance for their daughters.
ADHD tends to manifest differently in girls, though it’s possible that they’ll still show some of the above symptoms. For instance, girls are more likely to have inattentive ADHD, in which daydreaming and shyness are common. Additionally, girls with ADHD may also be highly sensitive. These other symptoms are more often identified as personality traits, which creates diagnostic problems. Even with these differences in mind, ADHD symptoms in all children have some common traits. A few of the common symptoms to look out for are:
Hyperfocus Is a Symptom of ADHD in Girls
The inability to focus on the task at hand is a commonality for all ADHD cases, girls included. One main difference between girls with ADHD and other children is that girls may compensate by zeroing in on something that they enjoy doing – also known as hyperfocus.
Read more: What Does ADHD Look Like in Teenage Girls?
Constant Motion Can Be a Symptom of ADHD in Girls
Dealing with ADHD in girls often feels like keeping up with a mini tornado. They’re constantly zooming here and there with endless energy. But hey, remember that girls can be just as restless, even if it shows up differently. Instead of racing around the room, they might be doodling like Picasso in overdrive or doing the chair-wiggle dance more than usual. So watch out for these less obvious signs that your daughter might also have that restless ADHD energy.
Impulsivity Is a Symptom of ADHD in All Children
Excitability and impulsivity are both traits of girls with ADHD (and all children with ADHD). They may blurt things out, talk over people, or change topics during conversation.
Read More: Free Printable ADHD Routine Chart
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally is an excellent option for many families that have a child with ADHD. Use game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD, help them learn emotional regulation skills, and watch them grow! It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
Talk to a Therapist to Discuss ADHD in Girls
The fact of the matter is, ADHD develops differently in different children. That’s why we suggest discussing your child’s symptoms with a reputable therapist who specializes in ADHD. If your daughter is diagnosed with ADHD, having a tool like Goally can really help with the day-to-day management of ADHD. To learn more about Goally and how it can assist you with your child’s ADHD, visit our page, and when you’re ready, sign up and get on the path to better ADHD management.
FAQs About ADHD in Girls
What is ADHD in girls? ADHD in girls is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, often manifesting differently than in boys.
How can visual schedules help manage ADHD in girls? Visual schedules can help girls with ADHD by providing a clear, predictable structure, reducing anxiety, and improving focus and time management skills.
What is the role of emotional regulation apps in managing ADHD in girls? Emotional regulation apps can teach girls with ADHD effective strategies to understand, manage, and respond to their feelings in a healthy way.
How can rewards help in managing ADHD in girls? Rewards can motivate girls with ADHD to stay on task, accomplish goals, and reinforce positive behaviors, effectively managing symptoms.
What is the Goally app and how can it benefit girls with ADHD? Goally is a customizable app offering features like visual schedules, rewards, and emotional regulation tools to assist in managing ADHD symptoms in girls.
This post was originally published on 10/04/2022. It was updated on 12/20/2023.
Goally
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