Understanding ADHD in Girls and Women

by Joanne Steer (editor), Andrea Bilbow (Foreword), Claire Berry (Contributor)

Written by expert professionals, this book provides comprehensive information about available support for women and girls with ADHD and tips for clinicians and professionals who work with them.The symptoms of ADHD are no less impairing in females than males, but can be missed or misunderstood. This book arms professionals, parents, and women themselves as it maps out where to go for information, who can help and how to understand ADHD better. It explains routes to assessment and diagnosis for girls and young women, how to access support in education, available treatments, and the impact of living with ADHD on overall mental health. It explores the benefits of ADHD coaching for girls to help develop their unique strengths and talents. There is also a focus on ADHD diagnosis for women in adulthood and specific advice about treatment and medication for later in life. Central to the book are the personal experiences of ADHD from women and girls from a variety of backgrounds. These tell of late diagnosis, missed opportunities, a lifetime of adaptations and the power of recognition and treatment and are powerful stories for professionals and individuals with ADHD alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adhd, Psychology, Mental Health, Disability, Self Help, Parenting

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2021

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a helpful book to get to understand female ADHD. It resonated so much with my childhood, adolescence and adulthood - I always felt like something was wrong with me, it makes me feel so much better knowing that I wasn’t (and I’m not) alone battling this hidden “monster”. I wish I could have read this when I was younger. Kudos to the writer and researchers who are shedding more light on female ADHD.
It was a beautiful read 🙏🏾

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant and up to the minute guide for ADHD assessment. It is aimed at professionals, from primary care physicians to teachers to therapists to ADHD coaches, and also to parents of afab kids with ADHD who are trying to navigate the legal process of getting accommodations for their kids, with specifics given for the UK, not the US.

It's not a self-help book. There are a million ADHD self-help books. This one is professional education for people who help afab humans reach their potential.

I am a patient, not a professional, but I was diagnosed at age 46 just before the pandemic, and then failed to receive patient education because COVID. So now I'm researching the fuck out of my brain and recommending this book to several of my healthcare providers...along with a relevant list of ADHD comorbidities.

[Cathryn Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for any woman (or nb person, trans man, anyone not fitting the mould of stereotypical ADHD boy) with ADHD, the late-diagnosed, those who suspect but can’t access diagnosis, parents of girls (and women) with ADHD, anyone in any healthcare services, anyone who works in schools or with youth - it’s the most relatable, validating, up-to-date & thorough book on ADHD I’ve am one across since my diagnosis, and totally relearning what ADHD in girls and women actually looks and how it manifests - as well as how going undiagnosed for so long can impact health in other areas. The book is written from a UK lens which I find far more accessible from over in NZ than the American books that have the lens of a totally different ADHD culture. The audiobook is phenomenal, and this book is accessible and written to be so. It focuses on the impact of ADHD on the person with if, not on others around them. Its not a book that tries to “fix” someone by suggesting strategies to suppress it. I really stress that teachers need to read this one too. You’re the people with the most opportunity to recognise how ADHD looks in girls once they are aware, and this book outlines why that is so important. There is a lot of relearning in this book which I’ve already done, but I have bought this book to pass on to anyone around me who I need to understand my brain. It does all the work for me, and many extracts feel like they come from my own assessment despite the book being published a few months prior to it 😂

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to pick this up after probably the 100000th time I heard someone with diagnosed ADHD make a comment about their symptoms and thought "that really sounds like me". Reading this was enlightening and comforting. Like a lot of people, I was highly uneducated about the lesser known symptoms of ADHD and figured that couldn't possibly be what I experience. It was healing to read about my difficult experiences and emotions explained in a way that gave me clarity, and possibly hope to actually do something about them.

This book was focused on girls and women, but it's mentioned that men whose symptoms present in similar ways might also be in a position where they're misdiagnosed/not diagnosed at all. I thought that was interesting and made me consider that this book could be helpful to them too.

[Cheryl Jia Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Understanding ADHD in Girls and Women" serves as a concise guide, illuminating the nuances of ADHD in females. It provides valuable insights into recognising its various manifestations and offers guidance for both individuals directly affected and those associated with them. The book's thorough exploration extends to adeptly navigating the educational and medical landscapes, specifically within the UK/NHS framework, covering diagnosis, assessment, and effective symptom management. My personal connection to the content was immediate; a mere ten-minute exploration of the introductory chapters effortlessly evoked vivid memories of my own formative years in primary and secondary school.

[Heather Josephine Pue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, much needed book. The intended audience felt a little unclear with some of the chapters geared towards parents and others towards medical professionals, but I still found it relevant to me as a teacher. That said, I was disappointed that the chapter on education was almost entirely about UK educational policy, making it irrelevant to those of us outside the UK. Generally speaking, an excellent and highly recommended read for anyone wanting to learn about ADHD in girls/women.

[Laura Hannaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book!

I bought it as my youngest was recently diagnosed and I wanted to learn all I could to try to support her. This book was a revelation!

Each chapter is written by an expert in that particular aspect of ADHD. From childhood assessment, navigating education, to undiagnosed adults. They are written in clear and accessible language with up to date research and plenty of additional sources to explore.

Having read the chapters focusing on ADHD in children I now feel better equipped for the months and years ahead and have a long list of additional sources of information to explore.

The big revelation for me however was the section dealing with undiagnosed adults. It was like reading my most secret diary. The descriptions given were things I have never spoken out loud they were so personal. It turns out ADHD is hyper-genetic and I think I know where my daughter inherited it from.

My next step is a doctor’s appointment, but having read this book I am more than confident that the outcome will be a positive one.

[Hannah Belcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to a book specifically on ADHD in females, like many of the great books I've read focussing on autistic women, but this really missed the mark. I don't think I learnt much at all on how ADHD might be different in females, and the majority of the book was focused on children and not women. It seemed all over the place as to who it was aimed at. One section was a rather dense description of how to get your child adjustments at school, which I doubt any parent without a law degree would understand. Another was a dense section on medication, which seemed more aimed at a physician. A random chapter in the back mentioned personal stories, but I can't help but feel they were the most critical part and would have been useful to have discussed throughout the book, rather than shoved at the back. Most of what was written was just general guidance for anyone working with or parenting someone with ADHD, regardless of gender. Overall a very boring and disatisfying read sadly.

[Gabriella Niles-Ewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible! I’ve never needed a book more in my life. I’ve often felt confused, conflicted, and frustrated by my own mind, never truly understanding who I was.

While receiving my diagnosis was helpful, I wasn’t sure of what to do with it. Then, I was gifted this book, and for the first time, I felt truly understood.

Knowing that I’m not alone, is healing.

“The biggest challenge l've found with my ADHD has been the impulsive side of things. I may speak out of turn unintentionally or make decisions without properly thinking about the possible outcomes. My emotions can be very up and down and always have been since I was a child.

I care deeply about things and feel the need to fix things and struggle to rest until l've done everything I can. When I'm low, I struggle really badly with motivation and have found that I turn to online shopping or similar to give me that boost I need, but it's a short-term fix. I'm prone to panicking and worrying, and worst of all, I overthink everything!“

[Sue Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. About time we got rid of the myth that ADHD is experienced mainly by boys. Girls and women mainly present differently and often learn to mask traits and behaviours. This book reveals how girls and women present ADHD and what help they/we need. As a woman who only got an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 73, I wish I had known all the information in this book, and if only my teachers and family had known - it might have made a huge difference. With the help of this book teachers, social workers and all who work with children and women will get an insight into behaviour they didn't understand.

[Kristy Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of fabulous points and it's refreshing yo get an insight which is solely on women. I feel a lot of this should be used in teacher training and shared with SENCOs.
There are some misleading parts though which make you think you have more power as a parent than you actually do have. Maybe due to regional differences or changes to the systems and red tape. Of which there is so much.
I read the 1st 50% of this book from page to page and dipped into the rest as necessary. A good reference point to return to.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sticking the stars in the middle out of a sense of balance, because maybe it's useful to some people? I wouldn't know, DNF. Barely began. I tried, but the tone of this book is grim. Barney the Dinosaur teaches adult women how to understand something they've lived with their whole lives. Let's go girls! *Shania Twain music* - I tried the audiobook, it's worse. Like a QVC sales pitch. Shame really, because I could do with the info. The irony here is people with ADHD are never going to focus on something they can't be arsed with, because they CAN'T. Or, I couldn't, anyway.

[Heather Horst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading this to try and understand myself better. It is very informative, however, it is written for doctors and other practicioners that may need to diagnose mostly girls, but also women, with ADHD. As such, it was very dry and repetitive, not all that relevant to a woman with ADHD, and, frankly, I had a hard time reading it because I just couldn't focus for long. I ended up reading the few chapters that were relevant to me and returning to the library. Not a bad read, just not for the general public.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this one up as additional info / different angle from other "classic" ADHD books (largely focused on presentation in boys and men). While it's very useful for the topic, it's not really a general-audience book. Many of the chapters have a heavy skew toward an audience of professionals / clinicians working with girls with ADHD, and the chapter on the school system in particular is extremely specifically UK-focus. But there's also an emphasis on hearing the stories and voices of the girls themselves, which I really liked.

[Ben Letton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this book I knew very little about ADHD; what I thought I knew was wrong. My goal in reading "Understanding ADHD in Girls and Women" was to gain an appreciation of what ADHD is and how I can be more empathetic and supportive. I found the information highly relevant and the advice useful. For me it's a good start.

I bought this as an audiobook but I'll also purchase a physical copy. The book has a lot of citations and useful references which, when narrated, get a bit tedious.

[Binx · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters were good for understanding. Then it moved on to "how to coach" - I found a lot of these tips to be best practice for anyone, not necessarily just girls with ADHD.
There was a lot of information regarding medications and how these interact with other meds, etc. I feel that this would be good as a reference text, and perhaps this part was lost on me as I listened as an audiobook...?

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. I did not read cover to cover because I do not live in the UK and I wanted to read about ADHD in girls more than women. However, that was still a bulk of the book and it was so informative. The authors covered so much of what to think about when it comes to ADHD in girls and all aspects of their lives.

[Morgane]

Interesting and very well documented. Super clear and easy to read. However, as an adult with late diagnosis and no kid, I was clearly not the target. But for parents of kids with or without adhd it can be helpful and giving them a new perspective on adhd, their daughters and mental health in general.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading, gave me a good crash course in some of the ways girls can exhibit/experience ADHD differently than boys. Definitely felt geared more towards clinical practice than perhaps parents but still felt helpful.

[Naomi Russell-Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful. Educational. Helped explain a few things and also showed me the things I’ve been experiencing for my entire life had a cause. This allowed me to put more systems in place to manage my own conditions.

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

to say I read this cover-to-cover would be a lie, but I took everything I needed from it

[Lauren Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

UK context, still some parts are useful.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

direct, to the point, and highly accurate. backed up by sources and I highly recommend it for any women suspecting of ADHD

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an informative, timely book. I enjoyed the different authors, topics and focus on women.
2923 pop sugar reading challenge- book with girl in title

[Steph Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2021...

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kate S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be given out to all parents

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful - hopefully I can do more for my students now

[Amina Yousuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for those who want to have a better insight into this disorder and how its presentation in female differs from the male gender.