ADHD in Boys vs. Girls: Wait, Girls Can Have ADHD Too?

Let’s talk about something important (and maybe surprising): ADHD doesn’t just happen in boys. Yup, girls can totally have ADHD too, but it often looks a little different—and this is where things get tricky. 

When we think of ADHD, the first image that often comes to mind is a little boy bouncing off the walls, talking nonstop, or fidgeting at the dinner table. Boys with ADHD tend to display their symptoms in noticeable, external ways. They may struggle to sit still, frequently interrupt conversations, or have trouble keeping track of things like their lunchbox or favorite toy. Their impulsivity might lead them to dart into the street without thinking, and their emotions can shift rapidly—from happy one moment to explosive the next. These overt behaviors make it easier for parents and teachers to recognize that something might be going on, which is why boys are typically diagnosed earlier. 

But girls? They’re the sneaky ones when it comes to ADHD. Their symptoms tend to be quieter and less disruptive, so they often fly under the radar. Instead of bouncing around the room, a girl with ADHD might sit quietly, staring off into space. She might have trouble finishing her schoolwork, not because she doesn’t care, but because her brain is juggling a million thoughts at once. And while boys with ADHD might talk a lot, for girls, it can turn into nonstop chatting that just seems like "being social." 

Girls with ADHD often tend to be highly sensitive, wearing their hearts on their sleeves. One moment, they’re laughing uncontrollably; the next, they’re in tears over something seemingly minor. This emotional variability is sometimes dismissed as being overly emotional or dramatic, but it can be a sign of how ADHD can manifest in girls. Because their symptoms are less obvious or disruptive, many girls go undiagnosed—or they’re labeled as “social butterflies,” overly dramatic, shy, forgetful, or simply “not trying hard enough.” 

Here’s the thing: ADHD symptoms aren’t limited to one gender, but they can sometimes manifest differently. Some signs overlap, while others are more commonly seen in one group than the other. The goal isn’t to draw strict lines but to emphasize that outdated assumptions often lead to many girls with ADHD being overlooked. 

Why does this matter? Because if we only think ADHD looks one way—like a hyperactive little boy—so many girls are going to miss out on the support they need. Recognizing that ADHD can possibly show up differently in boys and girls is so important. It’s the first step to helping all kids thrive, no matter how their ADHD looks. ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all, and understanding these differences can make a world of difference for these kiddos.