Unlocking Potential: Why Neuropsychological Evaluations Matter for Girls with ADHD and Dyslexia (Copy)
(Originally written: October 31, 2025)
Written by Meredith Cregg-Wedmore, PsyD, NCSP
Did you know girls are just as likely as boys to have ADHD or dyslexia—but are less likely to be diagnosed? Dr. Ellen Littman speaks of what is important to understand about girls with ADHD.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “The Many Faces of ADHD,” reminds us that attention and learning differences don’t look the same for everyone.
Why Girls Are Underdiagnosed
As Kathleen Woodward, NCSP, highlights in her article From Subtle Signs to Support: How to Help Girls with ADHD and Dyslexia, girls with ADHD and dyslexia may be underdiagnosed, not because these conditions are less common in girls, but because the signs can be subtle. Rae Jacobson, MS, offers an evocative perspective in her article, How Girls with ADHD are Different, blending powerful personal experiences with insights from experts to illustrate how girls with ADHD often don’t fit the traditional stereotype.
“Politely daydreaming underachievers just don’t attract attention the way hyperactive and impulsive boys do. Staring out the window is nothing when the kid next to you is dancing on the sill.”
Key factors include:
Quiet struggles: Girls may have difficulty focusing or reading, but often internalize their challenges and develop coping strategies that hide their difficulties from others. They may be labeled as “spacey,” or “daydreamers,” rather than disruptive
Missed opportunities: These subtle signs can lead to missed chances for support and increase the risk for anxiety or depression. Girls may work much harder than their peers academically or socially, leading to feeling inadequate or overwhelmed behind the scenes.
Complex presentations: When ADHD and dyslexia occur together, identification can be even more challenging, especially if symptoms don’t line up with common myths.
The Vital Role of Educators and Parents
Educators and parents both play a vital role in spotting these nuanced signs. Teachers see students in action every day and may notice challenges that aren’t always obvious at home. Parents can support this process by sharing observations and staying in regular communication with teachers throughout the school year.
Why Neuropsychological Evaluations Matter
Early identification is key. If your child is having a tough time at school or teachers have raised concerns, there are a variety of ways to better understand what’s going on. A neuropsychological evaluation is one valuable tool that can provide a thorough picture of your child’s learning, attention, and emotional skills. An evaluation helps clarify challenges, highlight strengths, and guide next steps for effective support.
Helpful Resources
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional, these organizations offer information and support:
CHADD: chadd.org (National resource for ADHD education and advocacy)
Understood.org: understood.org (Tools and community for learning and attention issues)
American Psychological Association (APA): apa.org/topics/adhd (Comprehensive information on ADHD, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and research)
International Dyslexia Association (IDA): dyslexiaida.org (Resources, research, and support for individuals with dyslexia and their families)