When most people picture Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they often imagine a young boy bouncing off the walls, blurting out answers, or struggling to sit still. While this image does reflect a common presentation of ADHD—particularly in boys—it’s only one part of the story.
The reality is that ADHD looks different in boys and girls, and this difference often leads to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, especially in girls. Understanding how the symptoms of ADHD vary between males and females is key to ensuring that every child who needs help gets the right diagnosis and treatment.
At APG Health, we’re committed to supporting families across Central Florida—including Orlando, Winter Park, and Altamonte Springs—by helping them recognize the many faces of ADHD and take the steps needed to support their children’s well-being.
ADHD: More Than One Type
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are three primary presentations:
- Inattentive Type – Difficulty focusing, following directions, organizing tasks, and remembering details.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting others, and acting without thinking.
- Combined Type – A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Most boys with ADHD are diagnosed with the hyperactive-impulsive or combined type, which tends to be more obvious in classroom settings. But ADHD in girls often shows up differently—quietly, and sometimes invisibly.
Why Girls Are Often Overlooked
Females with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD early. That’s because they are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms—they daydream, lose track of their belongings, struggle to focus, and seem “off in their own world.” But because they’re not disruptive, these signs can be missed or chalked up to personality quirks.
Even when ADHD is present, it may be misidentified as anxiety, depression, or just “laziness.” Over time, undiagnosed ADHD in girls can lead to frustration, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and mental health struggles.
If you're a parent or educator in the Orlando area noticing these patterns in a child—especially a girl—it might be time to explore an evaluation.
How ADHD Shows Up Differently in Boys and Girls
Here’s a closer look at how the same condition manifests in unique ways:
| Common in Boys with ADHD | Common in Girls with ADHD |
| Frequent fidgeting and restlessness | Daydreaming or appearing spaced out |
| Interrupting, blurting out answers | Trouble staying organized |
| Physical impulsivity (running, climbing) | Forgetfulness, especially with schoolwork |
| Easily frustrated or explosive | Internalized emotions—crying, anxiety, guilt |
| More likely to be noticed and referred by teachers | More likely to be described as “sensitive” or “shy” |
Both males and females can experience any combination of these symptoms, but recognizing the trends helps us understand why so many girls with ADHD are overlooked.
At APG Health, we encourage parents and teachers in Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and across Central Florida to be alert to these less visible signs and advocate for further assessment when needed.
The Cost of Missed Diagnosis
Without a proper diagnosis of ADHD, many children—especially girls—go without the support they need. Academic struggles, social challenges, and emotional overwhelm can pile up. Over time, this can contribute to a sense of failure or the development of other mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
In adolescence, people with ADHD who remain undiagnosed may engage in riskier behaviors or struggle to manage the growing demands of school and life. That’s why early identification and appropriate diagnosis and treatment are so important.
If you're in the Orlando area and wondering whether ADHD might be affecting your child, our team at APG Health offers assessments designed to look at the full picture—not just the obvious symptoms.
What Parents Can Do
If you suspect your child might have ADHD—regardless of their gender—there are steps you can take to get clarity and support:
- Observe patterns at home and school. Keep track of behaviors that seem persistent and interfere with daily life.
- Talk to teachers. Educators often see how a child compares to peers, and their insights can be valuable.
- Consult with a mental health professional. A formal evaluation looks at a range of criteria to determine if ADHD is present and what type it might be.
- Stay open to different presentations. ADHD doesn’t always look like hyperactivity—it can be about attention, memory, or emotional regulation.
Our clinicians at APG Health, based in Orlando and serving surrounding areas, specialize in diagnosing and treating ADHD across the lifespan, with an understanding of how it affects boys and girls differently.
Treatment Tailored to the Individual
Once a diagnosis of ADHD is made, treatment may include:
- Behavioral therapy
- Classroom accommodations
- Parent coaching and support
- Medication management
Stimulant medications are often part of the plan for children with ADHD, particularly those with combined type or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. These medications can help increase the level of focus and reduce impulsivity. However, every child is different, and our approach is always individualized.
If you live in Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, or greater Orlando, APG Health can help you explore all your treatment options, monitor progress, and adjust the plan as your child grows.
ADHD in Girls: It’s Time to Change the Narrative
Too many females with ADHD go unnoticed until they’re adults, looking back and realizing how much easier things might have been with the right support. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
By spreading awareness of how ADHD presents differently in boys and girls, we can reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and help more kids thrive.
Take Action Today
If your child is struggling with focus, memory, organization, or emotional regulation—and especially if you’ve been told, “she’s just shy” or “he’ll grow out of it”—don’t wait.
Contact APG Health to schedule a consultation. We provide expert evaluations and evidence-based treatment for ADHD and other mental health needs. Serving families throughout Orlando, Winter Park, and Altamonte Springs, we’re here to help your child reach their full potential.
ADHD doesn’t always look like fidgeting. Let’s make sure no child falls through the cracks.