Awareness
Signs of overlap: ADHD and autism in girls
January 7, 2025
Girls with ADHD and autism often share overlapping traits, which can make diagnosis complex. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis, missed support, or the assumption that the girl’s challenges are purely behavioral.
Shared traits
- Social Difficulties: Challenges forming friendships or interpreting social cues.
- Emotional Regulation: Meltdowns, intense emotions, or overwhelm.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Strong reactions to sound, light, touch, or taste.
- Organisational Struggles: Time management and staying focused are common hurdles.
How to differentiate
- Girls with ADHD are often inattentive, fidgety, and impulsive but crave social connections.
- Girls with autism may focus intensely on specific interests and mask social struggles by mimicking peers.
What to do
Consult professionals who understand neurodivergence in girls to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Support should cater to individual needs—whether focusing on social skills, emotional regulation, or learning strategies.
