In this episode, we welcome Cynthia Hammer, MSW, author of Living with Inattentive ADHD and founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition and ADD Resources, to talk about why so many girls with ADHD are missed and what parents, teachers, and families can do to help them get assessed earlier. Cynthia was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD at age 49. She shares what led her to focus on girls through her project, Find the ADHD Girls, and why the goal is to identify girls by around age 8. We walk through the free Find the ADHD Girls checklist, which covers 10 areas, from inattentiveness and forgetfulness to emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, and trouble sleeping. Parents can print the results and bring them to their child's pediatrician, and anyone can fill it out, including teachers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. We also talk about masking and the stress it causes when children feel they have to hide who they are, why early diagnosis matters, including the link to anxiety and depression, and why parents need to be kind to themselves, too. Cynthia also shares a save-the-date for her free Summit on Girls with ADHD on May 12 and 13, 2027. This conversation is a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, and that noticing the small signs can make a big difference. Join the Million Orange Hearts of Kindness Campaign, a movement centered around unity, compassion, and support for children and families navigating ADHD. For just $5, you can purchase a virtual orange heart, leave a kind message, and help provide resources and support for families who need it most! Visit: hearts.anthonysroadtokindness.com Resources: Find the ADHD Girls https://www.findtheadhdgirls.org Free Find the ADHD Girls checklist https://www.findtheadhdgirls.org/checklist-form Free parenting booklet for a young daughter with ADHD (30+ pages), available October 25 to October 31: https://www.findtheadhdgirls.org/store/parent-booklet Select "Individual" for license type and enter code PARENTFREE26 at checkout. Inattentive ADHD Coalition https://www.iadhd.org Learn more about Anthony's Way – The Road to Kindness: anthonysroadtokindness.com If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness, understanding, and kindness. Have you noticed signs of ADHD in a girl in your life that were easy to miss? We'd love to hear your experiences and what topics you'd like us to cover in future conversations. Sharing your story helps others feel less alone. Support the show DISCLAIMER Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness does not endorse products, services, publications, medications, or treatments, including those advertised in any of our publications, webinars or podcasts.
