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Understanding Girls with ADHD
A ground-breaking book on the needs and issues of girls with attentional why they are often undiagnosed, how they are different from boys, and what their special needs are in school, in their social world and at home. Age-related checklists from pre-school to high school help parents and professionals better identify and help girls with AD/HD.
291 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 28, 2016
This is a comprehensive overview of the issues that face girls with AD/HD, and the importance of addressing them as early as possible. The authors discuss how to recognize AD/HD in girls (for example, the "H" doesn't look like stereotypical hyperactivity), the unique risks of AD/HD in developing girls, and how to address the condition.
I, particularly, found the sections on socialization helpful: my daughter has ADD, and for the most part I have always understood her behaviour quite well, even before the diagnosis. But I never understood why she didn't have close friends, and why playdates always ended badly. The descriptions of failed social interactions in the book helped.
Lots of interesting food for thought in here, which is new to me but probably not to someone who has been grappling with the topic for a while. ADD is particularly difficult in girls because it exaggerates behaviours which are considered masculine: risk-taking, aggression, physicality. The multiple demands of femininity — being tidy, pretty, together, contained, considerate of others — are difficult enough for neurotypical women but really play to the weaknesses of girls with ADD. I feel like I have a lot more reading and thinking to do on this topic, and that my understanding of feminism will be the stronger for it.
I diverge from the authors on two points: First, I'm not yet convinced that ADD is a disorder; I think it's quite possibly a normal neurological variation that is evolutionarily advantageous at the group and possibly individual level. I haven't done a lot of reading on that, yet, though. Second, the authors recommend "behaviour modification" — punishment and rewards — to alter a child's behaviour. My new understanding of ADD hasn't affected my belief that positive, democratic parenting is the way to go — my child is not a rat in a Skinner box, no matter how many disorders she has.
The book is clearly written and easy to read (although the copyediting often leaves something to be desired, and there is no index).
I, particularly, found the sections on socialization helpful: my daughter has ADD, and for the most part I have always understood her behaviour quite well, even before the diagnosis. But I never understood why she didn't have close friends, and why playdates always ended badly. The descriptions of failed social interactions in the book helped.
Lots of interesting food for thought in here, which is new to me but probably not to someone who has been grappling with the topic for a while. ADD is particularly difficult in girls because it exaggerates behaviours which are considered masculine: risk-taking, aggression, physicality. The multiple demands of femininity — being tidy, pretty, together, contained, considerate of others — are difficult enough for neurotypical women but really play to the weaknesses of girls with ADD. I feel like I have a lot more reading and thinking to do on this topic, and that my understanding of feminism will be the stronger for it.
I diverge from the authors on two points: First, I'm not yet convinced that ADD is a disorder; I think it's quite possibly a normal neurological variation that is evolutionarily advantageous at the group and possibly individual level. I haven't done a lot of reading on that, yet, though. Second, the authors recommend "behaviour modification" — punishment and rewards — to alter a child's behaviour. My new understanding of ADD hasn't affected my belief that positive, democratic parenting is the way to go — my child is not a rat in a Skinner box, no matter how many disorders she has.
The book is clearly written and easy to read (although the copyediting often leaves something to be desired, and there is no index).
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July 14, 2024This is my first attempt at learning more about adhd girls. I liked how it was science based but I also took notes on a lot of good tips.
September 14, 2012
Oh my goodness, I love this book! The big take-away is that the symptoms that we associate with ADHD are the symptoms boys with ADHD have, but girls with ADHD often act differently. While reading the book and the information in it about the symptoms girls often have, I thought of two different kids who may very well have ADHD that I previously hadn't considered. Who knew that shy kids could have ADHD? Or that kids who are really good in school could have ADHD? The author provided great ideas for treatment options. I was surprised (although I shouldn't have been) when the book perfectly described one of my children, and it served to remind me that we really are dealing with a disorder and not just a child who likes to be oppositional. The one negative for me is that we are already doing almost everything it suggests and feel like we still have a long ways to go. I definitely suggest reading this book if you have daughters who are struggling in any areas of their lives.
July 18, 2021
Though this book has a lot of information and tells a lot about how ADHD differs from male to female presentation and how it manifests in different ages of girls, I found it to be pretty negative and not really focusing on how to use their differences in a good way. This book does give a lot to think about and questions to reflect on but I think there are better books out there.
July 8, 2023
I picked this book up during Christmas or spring break at a library book sale where I was on a hunt to fill a bag full of books to get my money's worth. I saw this one and said "Hey! I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, maybe this would help me understand myself a little more." What I got was a lot of sadness about how many signs of ADHD I was displaying as a kid that were never caught by my parents or my teachers. And my mom was a counselor who specialized in adolescence! Instead I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, like many other girls with ADHD are. I knew that was common before reading this book but this helped me understand why a little more.
It took me forever to read this book, as it is nonfiction and pretty bland at points. Much of it is looking at studies and stating facts. I liked the case studies occasionally given and wished the book was based around those a little more. The reason that I gave this book 3 stars over four or five is that it gave a surface level analysis on how to treat ADHD. They could have gone to much more detail on the subject.
Additionally, this is a gripe that I don't really hold against the authors too much, but there is not much content on women with ADHD. It really is based truly on pre school through high school. I would have liked to have more information there, but that is my selfish request.
I would recommend this book for parents who think their daughter has ADHD or recently got a diagnosis. It is a great starting point for someone with little background on the subject. I would also recommend it to teachers or counselors who may have to interact with girls with ADHD on a daily basis.
It took me forever to read this book, as it is nonfiction and pretty bland at points. Much of it is looking at studies and stating facts. I liked the case studies occasionally given and wished the book was based around those a little more. The reason that I gave this book 3 stars over four or five is that it gave a surface level analysis on how to treat ADHD. They could have gone to much more detail on the subject.
Additionally, this is a gripe that I don't really hold against the authors too much, but there is not much content on women with ADHD. It really is based truly on pre school through high school. I would have liked to have more information there, but that is my selfish request.
I would recommend this book for parents who think their daughter has ADHD or recently got a diagnosis. It is a great starting point for someone with little background on the subject. I would also recommend it to teachers or counselors who may have to interact with girls with ADHD on a daily basis.
October 5, 2010
I wept with relief and grief for my own experiences.
I wept with gratitude that I found this book before ADHD had a chance to undermine my daughter's spirit and self-worth.
This book is filled with many a-ha moments and helpful strategies. It should be a must-read for anyone dealing with ADHD, either personally or as the parent/teacher of a girl with ADHD.
This book will change the course of my daughter's life.
I wept with gratitude that I found this book before ADHD had a chance to undermine my daughter's spirit and self-worth.
This book is filled with many a-ha moments and helpful strategies. It should be a must-read for anyone dealing with ADHD, either personally or as the parent/teacher of a girl with ADHD.
This book will change the course of my daughter's life.
March 7, 2025
Somehow nobody in my generation (me and my siblings) in my family was diagnosed with ADHD but a majority of our kids have been. Funny how that works hahah. As we’ve become parents we’ve all talked about how we realize that it totally runs in our family, us included, and definitely in previous generations and family lines as well. Breaking family cycles is pretty fun but also requires research as we learn how we all tick and scaffold the next gen for success.
This book taught me a lot about myself, my family, and the young people I’ve taught and interacted with. I wish I had read it when I first started teaching—it would have completely changed my approach to SO many policies and students. It is pretty blunt and can be discouraging, so be prepared to balance that out with a book that also unapologetically celebrates neurodiversity, but it also comes with many great tools. I would recommend it to EVERYONE whether adhd runs in your family or not—especially if you teach or work with young people.
This book taught me a lot about myself, my family, and the young people I’ve taught and interacted with. I wish I had read it when I first started teaching—it would have completely changed my approach to SO many policies and students. It is pretty blunt and can be discouraging, so be prepared to balance that out with a book that also unapologetically celebrates neurodiversity, but it also comes with many great tools. I would recommend it to EVERYONE whether adhd runs in your family or not—especially if you teach or work with young people.
November 29, 2025
This was a great read! I feel like I not only understand myself better but my youngest daughter who has recently received a diagnosis for ADHD. It was really hard to read about the ways some of the little girls felt at certain times because I remember feeling the same. I was also surprised that ADHD is usually present with other disorders such as eating disorders, learning disorders and even substance abuse. I even read a section that perfectly described myself and that was a very hard pill to swallow for someone who only realized they had ADHD only AFTER having kids of my own. Talk about a mental and emotional roller coaster. Great read especially for getting guidance on treatment, either with a coach, medication or a combination. I am very glad that I read this book and plan to get an updated version soon.
October 30, 2025
It was ok and informative of girls with ADHD but it was so negative. Just didn’t really care for it and how it was done.
July 1, 2021
This book was easily skimmed. The information was relatable with lots of questions for consideration. However, it was very binary. Clearly, its a book about GIRLS with ADHD but there is no mention of kids assigned female at birth or issues along the gender spectrum. There were also lots of gender stereotypes within, including the writing being geared towards mothers and male/female parent relationships. If you can put those issues to the side (I assume an updated edition will correct for these concerns) it gives a quick researched-based look into how ADHD differs in female presenting kids compared to male presenting kids.
February 17, 2021
This book has an abundance of information on how girls with ADHD may be different from boys with ADHD when it comes to symptoms and hormones. As a parent, it was scary to find out that ADHD is a lot more complex and involves more than just inattentiveness and hyperactivity. However, knowledge is power, and with this book, you will empower you to have those conversations that will help your daughter receive the interventions and services that she may need. Also, it will help you understand the symptoms better, and therefore be able to develop a strong relationship with your daughters.
June 11, 2017
I underlined so much in this book. It explains so much to me: about my childhood, my daughters, and how to address their future years as teenagers and young adults. I especially love that it's broken down into different life stages and explains how a girl is affected by her ADD at each point in her development. This makes so much more sense than other books who just lump all the symptoms and characteristics together.
January 22, 2013
I was hoping for more examples of ways to scaffold learning for girls w/ ADHD.
July 5, 2013
All teachers should read this!
March 1, 2017
A great resource.
April 5, 2018
This is a very readable and comprehensive book, focusing on recognizing and handling ADHD in girls. I would recommend it highly for parents of girls with ADHD and all teachers.
October 26, 2020
Totally a play book from my life
August 7, 2021
An excellent resource for parents and practitioners of girls with ADHD.
March 18, 2024
Perhaps I need to give this one a chance again, but I really found it to be outdated and to overlook a significant amount of information that I am understanding from the ADHD community now.
December 28, 2023
Excellent book!
I love how it takes you through what each of life's stages looks like with adhd. It is very descriptive and so helpful in demonstrating what different types of adhd might look like at each stage of a girl's life.
I do not like how it continues to refer you to an adhd coach, counselor, or psychiatrist or psychologist. It would be helpful to have some directions of what to do. (There are some small behavioral instructions for younger years.)
Unfortunately, at the end of the book, it references several resources that will not be available to readers in rural settings and smaller centers. I'm not even sure if all of the resources are available outside of the US.However, these concerns only occur in the last 2-3 chapters.
On the whole, I'd HIGHLY recommend this book for any person who knows a girl with adhd!
I love how it takes you through what each of life's stages looks like with adhd. It is very descriptive and so helpful in demonstrating what different types of adhd might look like at each stage of a girl's life.
I do not like how it continues to refer you to an adhd coach, counselor, or psychiatrist or psychologist. It would be helpful to have some directions of what to do. (There are some small behavioral instructions for younger years.)
Unfortunately, at the end of the book, it references several resources that will not be available to readers in rural settings and smaller centers. I'm not even sure if all of the resources are available outside of the US.However, these concerns only occur in the last 2-3 chapters.
On the whole, I'd HIGHLY recommend this book for any person who knows a girl with adhd!
December 21, 2024
4+ stars.
A comprehensive guide to not only understanding, but how to cope with girls suffering from ADHD. Filled with data and scientific information, but not overly scientific to the point of non comprehension. Easy to read.
I like that it addresses the societal differences and expectations between boys and girls. Girls are more likely to go undiagnosed, therefore suffer longer (into adulthood), because they have a different presentation of symptoms, which tend to be less obvious, more internalized (distracted, poor time management, disorganized, overwhelmed); whereas boys are typically more hyperactive/impulsive, more disruptive, and therefore more likely to get an earlier diagnosis.
Bottom line: early intervention is best (self esteem/success); have a strong support system that includes parents, teachers, and a range of professionals;
A comprehensive guide to not only understanding, but how to cope with girls suffering from ADHD. Filled with data and scientific information, but not overly scientific to the point of non comprehension. Easy to read.
I like that it addresses the societal differences and expectations between boys and girls. Girls are more likely to go undiagnosed, therefore suffer longer (into adulthood), because they have a different presentation of symptoms, which tend to be less obvious, more internalized (distracted, poor time management, disorganized, overwhelmed); whereas boys are typically more hyperactive/impulsive, more disruptive, and therefore more likely to get an earlier diagnosis.
Bottom line: early intervention is best (self esteem/success); have a strong support system that includes parents, teachers, and a range of professionals;
January 17, 2017
Excellent information written by a most respected ADHD expert, and the first to emphasize ADHD differences and diagnoses in girls. Describes three types (hyperactive, inattentive, combined), what to look for at different ages, and comprehensive treatment options. One chapter emphasizes executive function skills. Written for parents, teachers, and practitioners and relying on brain science and ADHD research, this is not a light read but more of a book to refer to throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
January 3, 2018
All around enlightening guide to a condition I was recently diagnosed with. Knowledge is power, especially when you may have to learn to advocate for yourself until ongoing research renders ADHD in women mainstream (and not subject to uninformed skepticism.)
Secondary to that, it's also a fascinating exploration of how sexism intersects with research practice and medical care.
This is the first book published dealing with ADHD in women only.
It was published in 1999. (about 30 years after scientists began studying ADHD in boys)
Secondary to that, it's also a fascinating exploration of how sexism intersects with research practice and medical care.
This is the first book published dealing with ADHD in women only.
It was published in 1999. (about 30 years after scientists began studying ADHD in boys)
December 23, 2022
Honestly all parents of girls with ADHD should read this. There was a lot of information in here that every parent should be aware of. However, I did find that there wasn’t as much guidance on what to do to help girls with ADHD so much as education on what to look out for (although towards the end of the book I did finally start to get some tidbits on this). Still a very worthwhile read and probably one to keep on the shelves to refer to periodically throughout each of my daughter’s developmental stages.
February 19, 2018
Boken gav mig större förståelse för min adhd utifrån ett könsperspektiv som jag tycker är oerhört viktigt. Denna hjälpa mig verkligen att få in perspektivet "flickor" /kvinnor i min egen diagnos. Tidigare hade jag endast läst om diagnosen ur ett manligt perspektiv. Denna gav mig svar på varför det har varit som det har varit under min uppväxt och den ger även forskningsstöd i varför flickor hamnar utanför radarna och varför flickor kan uppleva adhd på ett annat sätt en som bara hyperaktivt.
November 20, 2020
This is a thorough coverage of all topics related to girls with ADHD. I like how the authors explain the issue of reasons why it goes undiagnosed, possible issues they may have and then ways we can help girls that do have a diagnosis.
February 11, 2022
As a pediatrician, great resource! As a mom, some scary facts, but also informative and very good advice! I rated it a 4 instead of 5 as I'm just not in love with the narrator. Slightly too monotonous.
January 21, 2018
A life changing book for me that painted colors in my world
September 18, 2018
Opened my eyes and provided so many details on what my girl has been dealing with. Provided me with a little comfort to know that I wasn't alone.
August 5, 2019
A thorough and insightful overview of what ADHD looks like for girls. As a significantly under-identified population, this is an important book for all educators and parents to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews