A quiet child who sits at the back of the class and doesn’t disturb anyone generally doesn’t attract attention. However, behind this apparent tranquility may hide an attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. In girls, the signs are often less visible than in boys, which complicates their identification. In a video posted on Instagram, Baptiste Carreira Mellier, psychologist and neuropsychologist, recalls that ADHD does not present in a single form. Three distinct profiles can be observed, each with particular characteristics that influence the child’s daily life and the speed of diagnosis.
Inattentive presentation remains the most difficult to spot
Inattentive presentation concerns children who appear calm and diligent. They remain seated in class, do not disrupt the group and can even appear to be discreet students.
However, the difficulties are very present. As the specialist explains, “their attention shifts, their gaze slides towards the window“. This form of ADHD can easily be confused with daydreaming, lack of motivation, or laziness.
It is precisely this discretion that explains why many girls receive a diagnosis later than boys.
Hyperactivity and combined presentation: sometimes very subtle signs
The hyperactive and impulsive presentation also exists in girls, but it does not always resemble the classic image of the child unable to sit still.
Some continue to work while feeling a constant need to move. This can be translated as “a leg swinging under the table“, a repetitive gesture that often goes unnoticed in a school environment.
The combined presentation brings together the manifestations of the two previous profiles. The child presents both attention difficulties and more or less visible agitation on a daily basis.
This diversity of symptoms explains why careful observation of behavior remains essential.
Why the diagnosis of ADHD in girls requires special vigilance
One of the most important messages in the video is this warning: “a child who does not bother anyone is not necessarily a child who is doing well“.
This reality particularly concerns girls whose difficulties often remain invisible to those around them. Parents, teachers and health professionals then play a determining role in spotting the signs.
The diagnosis can only be confirmed by a specialist, in particular a child psychiatrist or a pediatric neurologist. This is based on a “in-depth clinical interview and standardized criteria“, making it possible to precisely identify the nature of the disorder.
Each form of ADHD then requires adapted support in order to meet the specific needs of the child and promote their development in the best conditions.