#149: The ADHD Family Series: ADHD in Girls vs. Boys (and Why It Matters for Moms)

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They weren’t failing—but they were falling apart.
 Straight A’s, student of the month, well-behaved and helpful—on the outside, everything looked fine. But inside? Anxiety, overwhelm, and a quiet sense that something was always just a little off.

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Dr. Diana Barrett and Dr. Lynne Baldwin to unpack one of the most important and misunderstood ADHD conversations: how it shows up differently in girls versus boys—and why so many of us didn’t get diagnosed until adulthood.

Whether you’re wondering about your own missed diagnosis or looking at your daughter and thinking, “Is something going on here?”—this conversation will help you understand what to look for, what’s been missing from the research, and how to advocate (with or without a formal diagnosis).

🔑 In this episode, we cover:

• Why ADHD in girls is so often missed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood
• The difference between hyperactivity and internalized anxiety
• How the "good girl" masking leads to burnout, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation
• What to look for in your daughter—even if she’s doing well in school
• How to talk to teachers, doctors, and your child about what’s really going on
• The emotional impact of late diagnosis and how to break the cycle for the next generation

👩‍⚕️ About Our Guests:

Dr. Deanna Barrett is a licensed psychologist who specializes in ADHD testing and assessment for children and adolescents.
Dr. Lynne Baldwin brings years of experience in child development and family systems, with a focus on emotional regulation and educational support for neurodivergent kids.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

"Most kids don’t want to fail. Most kids don’t choose to be emotionally dysregulated."
 "Getting a diagnosis isn’t labeling—it’s committing to understand your child."
 "ADHD isn’t always the kid bouncing off the walls. Sometimes it’s the girl scanning the room, trying not to let anyone know she’s completely lost."

📌 Resources & Links:

• Join the conversation in our ADHD Moms Club and start finding your people
• Feel like you're drowning? Let Faye help take the mental load off your hands. Find your Faye family advisor for 15% off with code MOTHERPLUS. 
• Other episodes from the ADHD Family Series:
  • Executive Functioning For the ADHD Mom
  • The Anxiety ADHD Connection

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