ADD/ADHD in girls

mm9221 · 09-14-2003, 02:53 AM

I have been looking without much success, it seems, for information on ADD/ADHD in girls. My five yo daughter has exhibited signs of ADHD for a long time. She is very active----always on the move, very impulsive---sometimes dangerously so---, doesn't like to listen to me, takes risks, wants to go one step beyond whatever limit I set with her. One friend who has been teaching special ed for a long time told me she is more active than most five yo's.

We are taking her for counseling to deal with the problems her impulsivity has caused. She did well in a half-day preschool last year and is in a half-day kindergarten this year. So far, the teacher says she is doing fine. I know she likes to please. However, with the above-mentioned issues, I am concerned that as the year becomes more academic, that she will have more problems. I called in August with a request to have her tested, but the school is dragging their feet.

Does any of this sound like ADD/ADHD in girls? What's a good resource for me to read? I am frustrated in my search for information. My eyes are fried by looking.

Thanks,
Elaine

cymomtx · 09-14-2003, 09:49 AM

I have a son and daughter that are ADHD, but have never looked for information on just girls. I believe I'm ADHD so they must naturally get it from me, and my mom believed she is ADHD too.

mm9221 · 09-14-2003, 01:38 PM

So much information is geared towards boys with ADD/ADHD, but as in medicine, I truly believe that girls might exhibit it differently.

Thanks,
Elaine

Palms · 09-14-2003, 02:03 PM

I envy you for getting good reports from the teachers about your child. I think most of us deal with the opposite; we are getting negative reports from school about our children. She is only five years old and very active. Keep a close eye on her and LOTS of supervision and be HAPPY that she is doing fine in school. Please don't even think about medicating her at age 5.

mm9221 · 09-14-2003, 02:29 PM

I don't want to medicate her. Yikes!!!! That's why we're working on the behavior modification, but I do believe she might be oppositional defiant as well. I really want to head things off and make sure she has good experiences in school. I just don't too much about ADHD except what I've been able to find as far as symptoms.

Thanks,
Elaine