LEXINGTON, Ky. — Millions of children have been diagnosed with ADHD. While boys may be diagnosed with ADHD more often than girls, the rate is more even between men and women as adults.

What You Need To Know

  • Boys are diagnosed with ADHD at higher rates than girls are, however, that doesn't necessarily mean they are more prone to having the disorder

  • Experts say girls fly under the radar because of the way they present their ADHD symptoms

  • Rachel Hoover struggled with managing her ADHD throughout her life until she was diagnosed at age 37

  • ADHD experts say that teachers can help with catching ADHD among those who tend to fly under the radar

A late diagnosis can lead to other issues. This is something that many women experience due to not being diagnosed at a young age.

Rachel Hoover was diagnosed with ADHD when she was 37 years old.

“Back in the pandemic, I realized throughout that time when all of the meetings went virtual how difficult it was for me to stay attuned to what was going on and it became a point of real anxiety for me,” said Hoover.

After listening to other women share their stories about ADHD on TikTok, Hoover related to their struggles. It was these things combined that led her to get an evaluation.

However, the issues she faced because of her ADHD began long before she was diagnosed.

“When I would be in the classroom, when I was younger, and my go-to method was always to answer a question really quickly so that I could zone out in my daydreams and not worry about being called on again,” said Hoover.

Because she wasn’t disruptive, she flew under the radar and still managed to get good grades, but school became more challenging for Hoover when she reached college.

“The first year, I still managed to keep a 3.0 but it was really like a kick in the pants for me to realize I can’t just scoot by with my old strategies anymore,” said Hoover.

A late ADHD diagnosis for females compared to males is an issue that is still pervasive. 

“I’d say probably more often the girls are maybe a little bit more the inattentive, quiet, day-dreamy type,” said Dr. Kristi Briscoe, a general pediatrician that focuses on the treatment of ADHD at Next Step ADHD.

This makes identifying girls with ADHD more difficult for parents and teachers.

Monica Clark, a licensed psychological associate at Next Step ADHD, says teachers are the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with ADHD.

It is imperative for parents to have an open-line of communication with their children’s teachers to discuss issues that may be happening in the classroom, according to Dr. Briscoe. If you notice that your child may be struggling, she says talking to your general pediatrician is a good first step to take.

An early diagnosis is an important step that can help shape a person’s interpersonal relationships, confidence and career.

“These later diagnoses, you know, these women have not reached the place in their life that they could have reached if they had been diagnosed earlier and received appropriate treatment,” said Clark.

Since Hoover was diagnosed, she has noticed a change in her life.

“At this point, I feel better than I ever have and I really owe that to taking that first step,” said Hoover.

Now she takes medication and goes to therapy to treat her ADHD. She says this has helped her manage it.

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