Signs of ADHD in Girls & Women

This checklist highlights the most common and often overlooked signs of ADHD in girls and women—many of which present differently than the stereotypes. It outlines key symptoms such as difficulty focusing, frequent distraction, disorganization, and chronic forgetfulness. These challenges can show up as missed appointments, unfinished tasks, or trouble managing time and personal responsibilities.

The guide also covers internalized traits that are especially common in women, including daydreaming, avoiding tasks requiring sustained effort, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and mood swings. Social struggles—like misreading cues, losing track of messages, or unintentionally interrupting—are also highlighted, along with impulsivity and subtle hyperactivity such as restlessness or fidgeting.

Finally, the checklist emphasizes how long-term challenges with organization, follow-through, and emotional regulation can contribute to low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy.

This resource helps girls and women better recognize ADHD traits in themselves, understand why they’ve been missed or misunderstood, and feel more informed when seeking support or diagnosis.