Good morning,
Today we are sharing an older, but still relevant, article on gender differences of children with ADHD. As we have touched on in recent weeks, ADHD is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Even when it has been properly diagnosed each child still requires a unique approach to learning and treatment. These approaches especially differ greatly between boys and girls.
"For the longest time, with focus on hyperactivity, ADHD was considered to be a boys’ disorder. The initial criteria used to diagnose ADHD focused on hyperactivity until the late 1960’s, when inattentive and impulsive behaviors were added. As we know, girls have a higher prevalence of inattentive behaviors. However, until recently, major research studies, especially those following ADHD across the life span, have focused on boys. As a result, our information on how ADHD impacts girls is evolving, slowly but surely."
What are some of these differences between boys and girls? Here is a brief list:
Girls
-"More often demonstrate Inattentive tendencies
-Diagnosed at older ages
-Greater likelihood of internalizing problems
-Have more difficulties with friendships
-May have increased feeling of self-doubt
-Societal expectations of girls may result in less tolerance from adults
-Estrogen may impact effects of medication
-Symptoms often become worse in adolescence
-May work harder to “hide” their symptoms in an effort to meet expectations
-May exhibit more covert behavior like lying
-Are more likely to engage in self-harm, like cutting or suicide
-Higher rates of co-existing disorders like depression
Boys
-More frequently demonstrate Hyperactive tendencies
-Easily spotted at younger ages
-More externalizing, acting out problems
-More easily accepted by peers
-Self-concept may not be as affected
-Behaviors caused by ADHD may be tolerated because they are typical “boy” behaviors
-Less obvious impact of hormones
-Maturation may result in improvement in symptoms
-Less concerned about what others think
-May exhibit more overt, aggressive behaviors
-Less likely to internalize difficulties
-Higher rates of co-existing disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder"
How can we help your child with ADHD? Unlike large impersonal subject tutoring firms, we are a small business focused on bringing the highest quality and satisfaction to our clients. Our specialty is working with students with ADD, ADHD, other LDs, behavioral issues and problems with executive functioning.
We provide a comprehensive answer to families with students. We provide three main areas of service: private coaching, an after school program called The Hub, and workshops. In all of these areas we focus on organization, planning for the week and month, study skills, test-taking skills, subject comprehension, and independence.
