Do Parent/Teacher Checklists Miss Inattentive Signs in Girls? 

Parent/teacher checklists miss inattentive signs in girls far more often than in boys, contributing to delays in ADHD diagnosis. These checklists are a common tool used to identify ADHD symptoms, but they tend to focus on hyperactive and impulsive behaviours, symptoms that are more commonly seen in boys. As a result, observer bias and the limits of school screening tools can lead to a missed diagnosis in girls, especially when their symptoms are more internalised or inattentive in nature. 

Why Do Checklists Miss Inattentive Symptoms in Girls? 

Several factors contribute to why parent/teacher checklists miss inattentive signs in girls: 

Focus on hyperactive symptoms 

Traditional ADHD checklists are designed to capture behaviours such as impulsivity, fidgeting, and talkativeness, which are more commonly observed in boys. Inattentive symptoms, such as daydreaming, difficulty focusing, and forgetfulness, are often more subtle and harder to detect. Girls with ADHD tend to exhibit these inattentive symptoms, but because they do not fit the typical ADHD profile, they often go unreported or unnoticed on standard checklists. 

Observer bias 

Teachers and parents may have observer bias when filling out ADHD checklists, unintentionally overlooking inattentive behaviours in girls. Since ADHD is often perceived as a male condition, there may be an implicit assumption that girls are less likely to have it. This bias can lead to underreporting of the inattentive signs in girls on checklists, as inattentiveness is less disruptive than hyperactivity and may not stand out in a classroom setting. 

Social expectations for girls 

 Girls are often expected to be organised, calm, and compliant, which can make their ADHD symptoms less visible. In a school setting, girls with ADHD may be quieter, but their internal struggles with focus and organisation are not as easily noticed. School screening limits in identifying ADHD in girls, combined with these social expectations, can contribute to the failure of checklists to capture the true extent of the symptoms. 

The Consequences of Missing Inattentive Signs in Girls 

When parent/teacher checklists miss inattentive signs in girls, it can result in a delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis altogether. This delay can lead to years of unmanaged ADHD, negatively impacting academic performance, self-esteem, and mental health. Girls with undiagnosed ADHD are at higher risk of developing co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression, which often go unaddressed. 

Raising awareness about how ADHD presents differently in girls and adapting ADHD checklists to account for inattentive symptoms is crucial for improving early diagnosis and treatment. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and ADHD assessments that consider the unique ways ADHD presents in girls. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Late diagnosis and gender differences.