ADHD and School Performance

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common reasons students struggle in school, yet it often goes unrecognized—especially in bright or well-behaved children. ADHD can impact far more than just attention; it can interfere with a student’s ability to plan, stay organized, follow multi-step instructions, manage time, and complete assignments.

Common school-related challenges for students with ADHD include:

  • Difficulty focusing or staying on task

  • Trouble with organization, planning, or turning in work

  • Impulsivity or frequent mistakes on assignments/tests

  • Trouble with reading comprehension or written expression

  • Mental fatigue and frustration after short periods of effort

  • Inconsistent performance across subjects or days

These difficulties can affect a student’s grades, confidence, and relationships with teachers or peers.

How ADHD Is Evaluated

A comprehensive educational or psychological evaluation can help determine whether ADHD is contributing to your child’s challenges. Our evaluations assess:

  • Executive functioning skills (like attention, working memory, and organization)

  • Processing speed and mental stamina

  • Behavioral regulation and emotional control

  • Academic performance to understand how ADHD may be affecting learning

We also gather detailed input from parents and teachers to understand how symptoms show up across environments.

If ADHD is diagnosed, we provide specific, evidence-based recommendations for classroom supports, behavioral strategies, and testing accommodations. This may include eligibility for a 504 Plan or other academic interventions.

Understanding ADHD through a thorough evaluation can help your child—and their school team—create a plan that supports their success.

How ADHD Can Look Different in Girls

ADHD is often thought of in terms of hyperactivity and impulsive behavior—but in girls, it can show up quite differently. Because the signs of ADHD in girls are often more subtle, they are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially in early childhood.

Many girls with ADHD are less physically hyperactive and more likely to struggle with:

  • Daydreaming or appearing "spacey"

  • Emotional sensitivity and frequent mood swings

  • Difficulty with organization, planning, or completing tasks

  • Trouble managing friendships and social dynamics

  • Feeling overwhelmed or anxious in group settings

  • Internalizing their struggles, which can lead to low self-esteem

Rather than being disruptive in class, girls with ADHD may seem withdrawn, overly talkative, forgetful, or emotionally reactive. Because they’re often trying hard to "mask" their challenges, their symptoms may go unnoticed until academic demands or social pressures increase—often around late elementary or middle school.

Friendship challenges are also common. Girls with ADHD may misread social cues, struggle with emotional regulation in relationships, or have difficulty navigating the complex and unspoken rules of peer interactions. These social difficulties can lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, or confusion, even when a girl is eager to connect and make friends.

Why Evaluation Matters

A thoughtful, comprehensive evaluation can help uncover these less obvious signs of ADHD and provide much-needed clarity, validation, and support. Understanding the unique ways ADHD shows up in girls is the first step toward helping them build confidence, develop coping skills, and access the right tools to thrive—in school, friendships, and life.