Let Down by the System: The Overlooked Struggle of Females with ADHD.
I wanted to write a blog about ADHD, I am just starting my journey. to official diagnosis and learning so much about myself, (including putting together many puzzle pieces that now perfectly fit and make sense).
I feel online there is still a lot of stigma around this condition. In the past, even I have wondered why suddenly so many people are claiming to have ADHD. This past few months for me has been a total learning curve, I wanted to be open about what I am going through in the hope that it may resonate with some of you (who may be living with undiagnosed ADHD). I have done some initial reading into the reason so many people (women in particular) are suddenly realising they are ADHD and why this has never been picked up on by healthcare professions or even schools.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals regardless of gender. However, a growing body of research suggests that females with ADHD often escape early detection, with many receiving a diagnosis only in adulthood. In this blog, I look into the intricacies that contribute to the delayed identification of ADHD in females.
Girls are often adept at masking their ADHD symptoms. They may internalize struggles with focus and hyperactivity, presenting a composed exterior that doesn't raise immediate concerns I myself feel like I have become a lot more ‘laid back’ over the years and no longer am the ‘giddy & excitable’ girl I once was.
Females with ADHD frequently exhibit inattentive symptoms rather than the more overt hyperactivity seen in males. Daydreaming, forgetfulness, and difficulty organizing tasks may be misconstrued as mere personality traits, this is something i struggle with on a daily basis to the point where it affects my life.
Girls may develop sophisticated social coping mechanisms to navigate their challenges. This can include mimicking the behavior of peers, leading to a delay in recognizing the underlying ADHD.
Females often employ compensatory strategies in academics, such as excessive studying or overachievement, masking their struggles with attention and organization.
Society tends to associate ADHD with disruptive behaviour. When girls don't fit this stereotype, educators and healthcare professionals may overlook challenges related to executive functioning.
Hormonal changes during puberty may exacerbate ADHD symptoms in females, bringing them to the forefront and prompting evaluation in adulthood.
Societal expectations and gender norms contribute to the oversight of ADHD in females. The stereotype of the hyperactive boy may overshadow the quieter struggles experienced by girls.
Limited awareness and education about ADHD in females result in healthcare professionals, educators, and even parents being less likely to recognize the symptoms.
Females with ADHD often have co-existing conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may draw attention away from the underlying ADHD.
I hope the pointers above have helped, I will do a more in depth blog with my own symptoms at some point soon.
The Importance of Advocacy:
Empowering females to advocate for themselves and educating healthcare professionals about the unique presentation of ADHD in girls is crucial for early detection and intervention. The more we can be open and remove the stigma that can be attached to ADHD the better.
Unraveling the reasons behind the delayed diagnosis of ADHD in females is a complex process. Increased awareness, education, and a shift in societal perceptions are essential for ensuring that females with ADHD receive the timely support they need. By understanding the nuances of how ADHD manifests in girls and women, we can pave the way for early intervention and improved outcomes.
For more information and resources, consider exploring reputable sources such as ADHD Women and Girls, ADDitude Magazine, and CHADD.
