Diagnostic criteria for ADHD were developed largely from studies of hyperactive young boys, which means presentations that look different, quieter inattentiveness, internalised restlessness, high-effort masking of symptoms in social or academic settings, have historically been under-recognised, particularly in girls and women.
Patterns that are frequently missed
Many women describe years of feeling like they were working much harder than peers to achieve the same results, chronic disorganisation hidden behind visible over-compensation, emotional sensitivity or overwhelm that was previously attributed to anxiety or mood alone, and a diagnosis, when it finally comes, often in their thirties or forties, sometimes prompted by a child's own ADHD assessment.
If this sounds familiar, it does not confirm a diagnosis on its own, but it may be worth raising with a clinician experienced in adult ADHD assessment, ideally one who is specifically aware of how presentation can differ by sex and gender.