A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY DR. STEPHEN HINSHAW

Understanding ADHD in Girls & Women

For decades, ADHD research focused primarily on boys.

As a result, many girls and women went unnoticed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed.

In this special presentation, internationally recognized ADHD researcher Dr. Stephen Hinshaw explores how ADHD presents differently in girls and women, why it is often overlooked, and what families and educators can do to better support these learners.

WATCH THE FULL PRESENTATION BELOW

Dr. Hinshaw

Featured Topics

✓ ADHD in girls and women

✓ Why many girls are overlooked

✓ Executive functioning and self-regulation

✓ The role of genetics and environment

✓ Stigma and diagnosis challenges

✓ Strategies for support and advocacy

WATCH THE FULL PRESENTATION BELOW

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UNDERSTANDING ADHD IN GIRLS & WOMEN

Watch the Full Presentation

RUNTIME: 99 MINUTES  |  PRESENTED MARCH 2026  |  HOSTED BY THE CRAIG SCHOOL

INSIGHTS

Key Insights from the Presentation

ADHD Often Looks Different in Girls

Many girls experience symptoms that are less disruptive and more internalized, making identification more difficult.

Bright Students Can Still Struggle

Intelligence often masks challenges related to attention, organization, planning, and self-regulation.

Executive Function Matters

Difficulties with working memory, planning, task initiation, and emotional regulation can impact daily life at home and school.

Early Support Changes Outcomes

Recognition and support can significantly improve confidence, academic success, and long-term well-being.

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UNDERSTANDING ADHD IN GIRLS

Why This Matters to The Craig School

For decades, ADHD research focused primarily on boys.

As a result, many girls spent years struggling before receiving the support they needed.

At TCS, we recognize that learning differences can look very different from one student to another. Girls often work hard to mask challenges, compensate for executive functioning difficulties, and hide the frustration they feel in traditional school environments.

Understanding those differences helps professionals and families provide the support students need to thrive.

That’s why TCS continues to invest in community outreach and conversations that help families better understand how students learn and grow.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Stephen Hinshaw

Dr. Stephen P. Hinshaw is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist and Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a leading expert on ADHD, with a particular focus on girls and women. His research has garnered top awards worldwide in clinical psychology, applied psychological research, basic psychological research, child development, child and adolescent psychiatry, international mental health, and ADHD; he is the only individual with such acclaim in all seven areas. He is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

His research career includes landmark longitudinal studies examining how ADHD in girls affects academic achievement, self-esteem, mental health, and relationships over time. Dr. Hinshaw is widely known for helping shift the field away from male-centric ADHD models and for challenging the stigma around neurodevelopmental differences.

He is the author of several influential books, including Straight Talk about ADHD in Girls and Another Kind of Madness—a family memoir on overcoming the silence around mental and neurodevelopmental conditions illness. Steve is a frequent speaker on and advocate for the importance of early understanding, accurate identification, and compassionate support.

Dr. Hinshaw

Looking for a School That Understands Girls Who Learn Differently?

Many families discover The Craig School after years of wondering why a bright, capable student is struggling.

Our team understands the unique ways ADHD, executive functioning challenges, autism spectrum profiles, and related learning differences can present in girls.

If you’re exploring educational options for your child, we’d be happy to start a conversation.

Tell us about your child →