ADHD in Girls: Why It's So Often Missed and What Parents Need to Know

If you’re parenting a girl who is anxious, overwhelmed, explosive at home, masking at school, or constantly burning out, this episode will give you answers you may have been searching for for years.

I’m joined by Dr Olivia Kesel, whose new book Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls is one I believe every parent of a daughter should read.

Olivia shares her story of years of chaos, shame, confusion and exhaustion, and the moment everything changed when she finally understood what was happening inside her daughter’s brain. We talk openly about the behaviours parents blame themselves for: the violent outbursts, the school‑morning battles, the sleepless nights, the homework meltdowns, the “she’s fine at school but falling apart at home” pattern. And we unpack why girls with ADHD are so often missed, misdiagnosed, or treated for the wrong thing entirely.

You’ll learn the signs of ADHD in girls that parents and teachers overlook, why masking is a red flag rather than reassurance, how estrogen amplifies symptoms during puberty and perimenopause, why anxiety and depression treatments often fail when ADHD is the root cause, and what to do if you suspect your daughter’s struggles go deeper than anyone has realised.

If you’ve ever felt alone, ashamed, or convinced you’re “failing” as a parent because nothing seems to work, this conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and a roadmap. You are not imagining it. You are not alone. And there is a way forward.

More from Olivia:

Beyond the Label - https://a.co/d/0c1d9ou4

SEND Parenting Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/send-parenting-podcast/id1655677210

Website - https://www.droliviakessel.com/

Highlights from this episode:

04:23 - Chaos and crap

08:52 - The biggest myth about ADHD

13:31 - Symptoms of ADHD in girls

19:58 - Dopamine and masking explained

23:52 - Treating the symptom over the cause

29:03 - Everyone has ADHD

32:55 - What can parents do?

38:20 - Diagnosis pros and cons

42:26 - To medicate or not to medicate

48:01 - Don’t listen to social media

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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