A: While statistics vary by study, according to the CDC, about 10% of children overall are diagnosed with ADHD in childhood or adolescence (approximately 14% of boys are diagnosed vs 6% of girls). Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the Hyperactive/Impulsive type of ADHD so they are more easily diagnosed. On the other hand, girls are more likely to be the Inattentive type of ADHD and are more likely to be diagnosed later than boys. Sometimes they can “fall through the cracks” somewhat because the girls with the Inattentive type tend to be more quiet and get less attention, although they are not focused and are “daydreamy” in class. Girls who display hyperactivity also tend to look different than the boys who have hyperactivity. Girls will often be more “chatty” while the boys will be more over-active.
