SUPPORTING GIRLS WITH ADHD
- or reacting ‘over-sensitively’ to typical situations. But mostly, you may simply see a girl who is highly anxious and withdrawn. ADHD in Education
Going Unnoticed Girls with ADHD in education If you observed a class of school children, would you be able to spot those with ADHD? Would you pick out the children that are fidgeting, rocking on their chair, constantly talking, distracted and ‘into everything’? Or would you spot the girl who sits quietly, her appearance neat and her work well-presented, but doing her best to go unseen?
to see a girl with ADHD who is disruptive in the classroom. Instead, you are more likely to see a student who gives 100% of their effort (even if the focus isn’t always there), mirrors their peers to blend in, avoids certain tasks or situations that may highlight ADHD symptoms, fidgets in less noticeable ways - such as doodling or playing with her hair
Research suggests that as many as 75% of girls with ADHD are still being missed, which has led to widespread concern that this marginalised population is not receiving reasonable adjustments or support to facilitate a successful education. However, although the symptoms of ADHD in girls may be less obvious, the impact it has on their schooling is much harder to ignore. Past studies have shown that girls with unsupported ADHD in education are at a much higher risk of low attendance and academic attainment and are more likely to suffer from poor self-image, anxiety and mood disorders. But, with a few reasonable adjustments, this doesn’t have to be the case - in fact, quite the opposite. ADHD can bring many great attributes that actually enhance a child’s experience of education, if delivered and supported in the right way. One reason that ADHD is more readily recognised in boys has
ADHD and Masking
For many girls, the masking of their ADHD symptoms replaces outward stress with internal stress. This can present as behaving shy, quiet and socially introverted, overly sensitive and emotionally dysregulated. It’s not until the end of the school day, when she’s back home in her safe space, that she can drop her mask and let everything from the day come tumbling out. With masking behaviours more common amongst girls with ADHD than in boys, and those behaviours being predominantly internalised, you are less likely
» EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AUT UM N 2024 | 39
