What ADHD Really Looks Like in Women (and Why So Many Are Missed)
What You’ll Learn
In this short blog, you’ll learn:
• Why ADHD often looks different in women and girls
• What “masking” means and how it leads to late diagnosis
• The emotional cost of being misunderstood for years
• Where to learn more through our ADHD Women and Masking event
It’s Not That You Weren’t Paying Attention — It’s That No One Was Paying Attention to You
For decades, ADHD was seen as a “hyperactive boys’” condition. Because of that, countless women grew up wondering why they felt scattered, exhausted, or emotionally overwhelmed, yet never “fit” the typical ADHD image.
According to research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS, 2025), women are still diagnosed with ADHD at far lower rates than men, even though adult assessments show near-equal prevalence.
Many women learn to mask from a young age — working twice as hard to appear organised, calm, or capable. Masking means hiding symptoms through coping strategies like over-preparing, people-pleasing, or staying constantly busy to avoid criticism.
The Hidden Toll of Masking
While masking helps women get through school or work, it often comes at a cost. The University of New South Wales (UNSW, 2024) found that women with undiagnosed ADHD report higher levels of anxiety, fatigue, and self-doubt compared to those who have received support and education about their neurotype.
When ADHD is finally recognised, the relief can be profound. Many describe it as the first time their life makes sense — why they struggle with time, energy, focus, or emotion regulation.
Understanding Leads to Healing
ADHD in women does not always look loud or impulsive. It often looks like overthinking, perfectionism, emotional intensity, or quiet burnout.
When families, educators, and professionals understand these patterns, women can receive the validation and tools they deserve.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and learning more can be the first step toward change.
Join us for ADHD Women and Masking: Understanding Hidden ADHD, an empowering online event featuring leading ADHD specialists and lived-experience speakers from across Australia.
Discover strategies for self-understanding, reducing burnout, and embracing authenticity.
Takeaway
When women stop masking and start understanding, they begin to see that their challenges were never a lack of effort — just a lack of recognition.
Awareness brings healing, and education turns that healing into confidence.
References
Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). (2025). Gender and late ADHD diagnosis in Australia.
University of New South Wales (UNSW). (2024). Women’s ADHD experience and mental health outcomes.