ADHD in Boys Vs. ADHD in Girls (and the 3 types of ADHD)
I just write a blog post about the differences between ADHD in boys and ADHD in girls. As well as the three different types of ADHD that exist.
Boys tend toward hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and risky behavior while girls lean more toward inattention and "spacing out." Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, maybe because their symptoms are more obvious to teachers or caretakers?
Though the American Psychological Association defines ADHD as one condition, it can actually be broken into 3.
1) Hyperactive ADHD (Usually the type boys have.) These children are fidgety, can't sit still, are impatient, blurt out answers in class, cut in front of others line, interrupt others, and seek instant gratification. They also often act without thinking - which can cause problems when interacting with others or being disciplined. These children also seem more aggressive than their peers at an early age. And may have had delayed motor skills in babyhood.
2) Inattention ADHD. These children struggle with following directions, often cannot pay attention to details, make careless errors, and are disorganized. They might be messy (rooms, backpacks, lockers) and often have trouble turning in homework (because of all the steps involved in completing it and remembering to bring it to school, etc). It may seem like you tell them something and they never even heard it. What's interesting is that it is difficult to hold these children's attention with regular games or books, however - they are very interested in video games. The constant interaction and distraction of video games works well because of the constant cause-and-effect of pressing buttons and seeing immediate results (that will reengage a child whose mind wanders easily.)
3) A combination of type 1 and 2. These children are both hyperactive and inattentive.
What do you think about the differences between types 1 and 2? Why do you think boys are more diagnosed than girls? Are you a woman that has ADHD? Do you or your child have type 2? What are the specific challenges you've faced? Do you think that more boys are actually more likely to have type 1 or just that type 2 is harder to detect and therefore diagnosed less often overall?
Learn more about ADHD and get into discussion - Read ADHD Hunter's blog
Boys tend toward hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and risky behavior while girls lean more toward inattention and "spacing out." Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, maybe because their symptoms are more obvious to teachers or caretakers?
Though the American Psychological Association defines ADHD as one condition, it can actually be broken into 3.
1) Hyperactive ADHD (Usually the type boys have.) These children are fidgety, can't sit still, are impatient, blurt out answers in class, cut in front of others line, interrupt others, and seek instant gratification. They also often act without thinking - which can cause problems when interacting with others or being disciplined. These children also seem more aggressive than their peers at an early age. And may have had delayed motor skills in babyhood.
2) Inattention ADHD. These children struggle with following directions, often cannot pay attention to details, make careless errors, and are disorganized. They might be messy (rooms, backpacks, lockers) and often have trouble turning in homework (because of all the steps involved in completing it and remembering to bring it to school, etc). It may seem like you tell them something and they never even heard it. What's interesting is that it is difficult to hold these children's attention with regular games or books, however - they are very interested in video games. The constant interaction and distraction of video games works well because of the constant cause-and-effect of pressing buttons and seeing immediate results (that will reengage a child whose mind wanders easily.)
3) A combination of type 1 and 2. These children are both hyperactive and inattentive.
What do you think about the differences between types 1 and 2? Why do you think boys are more diagnosed than girls? Are you a woman that has ADHD? Do you or your child have type 2? What are the specific challenges you've faced? Do you think that more boys are actually more likely to have type 1 or just that type 2 is harder to detect and therefore diagnosed less often overall?
Learn more about ADHD and get into discussion - Read ADHD Hunter's blog
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