It’s time to talk about ADHD

Did you know the entire team at Kindred Roots Therapy Inc., has a confirmed or suspected ADHD diagnosis? Like many of you, we experienced receiving a diagnosis later in life.

ADHD is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in women and girls for several reasons…

1. Traditional stereotypes have played a role in missed diagnoses as historically, ADHD has been characterized as a “boy’s disorder”. Eearly research and clinical attention primarily focused on young boys, especially those displaying hyperactive and disruptive behaviours. As a result, since the focus was on these characteristsics, the stereotype of a person with ADHD has been that of a hyperactive younger boy.

2. ADHD can manifest differently between genders. While boys are more likely to display hyperactive symptoms, girls with ADHD might present more inattentive and internalizing symptoms. These symptoms, such as daydreaming, forgetfulness, and disorganization, can be mistakenly attributed to personality traits or other factors.

3. Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression. Because these disorders might be more "visible" or disruptive than ADHD symptoms, clinicians might focus on treating the comorbid conditions while overlooking the underlying ADHD.

4. Women and girls might develop compensatory strategies to cope with their ADHD symptoms. They might be able to mask their difficulties by working harder or relying on external supports. This can lead to late diagnoses or cases where the individual's struggles aren't recognized until the demands exceed their compensatory strategies, such as transitioning from high school to college or from college to a demanding job.

5. Until relatively recently, ADHD awareness campaigns and educational efforts have not given enough attention to how ADHD affects women and girls. This lack of awareness among the general public and even among some medical professionals can lead to missed diagnoses.

6. Society often has different expectations for girls and women compared to boys and men. For instance, girls are often socialized to be more compliant and less disruptive. Because of this, their ADHD-related challenges may be downplayed or misinterpreted.

One of our therapists on our team, Nicole Mullen, has written a personal excerpt about her experiences with ADHD to serve as a reminder to be compassionate with yourself. If you have ADHD, or finds this resonates with you, the team at Kindred Roots Therapy Inc., may be a great support for you, and we would be honored to walk you through and provide supportive strategies at combatting ADHD.

Nicole’s story

In my early thirties, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would redefine my perception of myself and my abilities. For years, I struggled with reading, writing, and math, while being bombarded with discouraging remarks about not being smart enough and lacking talent or follow-through. I was often told that I was not applying myself enough or that I needed to work harder. These challenges intensified during my high school years, eroding my self-confidence and leading me to limit my goals due to my academic difficulties. I became used to the idea of being a failure. I developed academic anxiety and constantly felt discouraged.

Eventually, a persistent gut feeling prompted me to seek out an assessment that led to a learning disability diagnosis. I discovered that the part of my brain that is responsible for working memory has been the source of my lifelong struggles. The relief that followed was overwhelming, as I finally found an explanation for my challenges, and it was not that I was lazy or not working hard enough. However, the biggest surprise came when I also received an ADHD diagnosis, a condition I had never associated with women in their 30’s, with an A type personality and a Masters Degree.

Receiving a learning disability and ADHD diagnosis in my early thirties was a pivotal moment that shifted my perception of myself and my potential. The struggles and negative narratives I had carried for years were finally given context and dispelled. As I shattered stereotypes surrounding ADHD and learning disabilities, neurodiversity is a beautiful aspect of human variation that doesn’t discriminate based on gender or academic achievements.

Now, armed with self-awareness and resilience, I approach the future with renewed confidence, knowing that my journey is one of growth, acceptance, and endless possibilities.