ADHD is often thought of as a problem for boys. However, girls can get ADHD, too. ADHD boarding schools offer services to both boys and girls, and most educators encourage parents to know the signs and potential challenges associated with ADHD.
ADHD Diagnostic Criteria
ADHD boarding schools work to support students dealing with the signs and symptoms of ADHD. These might include:
- Underdeveloped listening skills
- Routinely misplaces items
- Short attention span
- Fidgety
- Restless and energetic
- Has trouble waiting their turn
- Can’t “wind down”
For young girls, ADHD can be a problem in a group setting. They may have trouble processing multiple bits of information coming from different sources (in this case, other children). Girls with ADHD may also find that they have trouble making friends as they lack socially accepted filters.
An unfortunate side-effect of ADHD, especially in girls, is anxiety. This can manifest in social settings and is triggered by alienation.
How Girls Cope
While no two children are the same, there are a few ways that young ladies often cope with ADHD.
Many choose to internalize negative feelings and self-beliefs. Instead of wondering why they are not receiving the support they need, they may simply think there is something “wrong” with them. ADHD boarding schools look for this type of behavior and offer reassurance that there is nothing wrong with these children.
Some girls may also camouflage or suppress their ADHD symptoms in an effort to gain approval from their friends. This can create a constant internal struggle, which can be mentally exhausting. As girls turn into teenagers, they may also exhibit anxious compensation behaviors, such as being excessively early instead of being late or rigidly tidy to compensate for their lack of natural organization skills.
ADHD boarding schools also report that young girls with ADHD fear being considered too talkative or too emotional, so they remain quiet and calm when what they really need is to voice an opinion or express their feelings.
Developing A Healthy Self-Esteem
Girls with ADHD can benefit from the structure of an ADHD boarding school in many ways. These educational institutes are specifically tailored to address academic, emotional, and social self-perception. Young girls with an ADHD diagnosis may thrive in a supportive environment where they are not left to believe that they are behind their peers. A school where staff is explicitly trained in ADHD behaviors can address emotional and social issues by introducing girls to other students with similar struggles.
Nobody wants to see their child struggle, but girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. We must all remember that ADHD is not exclusive to boys, and we must look for ways to support all students in need.
If you are interested in learning more about how a school that specializes in students with ADHD can help, contact Currey Ingram Academy today. Currey Ingram’s Residential Life program features an on-call nurse, on-call counselor, and private bathrooms in each suite to ensure each female student is equipped with the things they need to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.
