Episode 96: ADHD in girls and women can be easy to miss, especially because symptoms often don’t match the familiar stereotype of a hyperactive or disruptive child. Many girls appear to be doing well while working extremely hard to compensate for difficulties that remain largely unseen.
In this episode, UC Berkeley student and State of Mind team member Evelyn Campbell guest hosts a conversation inspired in part by her own experience of being diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD during college. She is joined by psychologist and ADHD expert Dr. Stephen Hinshaw along with experiencer guests Sophie Didier and Dr. Sara Chung.
Sophie shares what life was like before being diagnosed at age 15 and how the delayed recognition affected her emotionally. Sara describes being diagnosed in adulthood after first seeking help for other concerns; she reflects on how masking, cultural expectations, and a desire to avoid standing out contributed to the late diagnosis.
Together with Dr. Hinshaw, they explore why girls and women are so often treated for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions before ADHD is recognized, and what delayed diagnosis can mean for emotional well-being. The conversation also explores how people can seek evaluation and why treatment often involves more than medication.
The episode closes by examining accommodations, stigma, coping, and what schools, families, and clinicians can do differently. The guests emphasize the importance of looking beyond stereotypes and offer messages of encouragement for girls and women who may recognize themselves in these stories.
Broadcasts: 11/01/26 & 11/09/26
Producer: Debra Sloss LMFT
Guest Host: Evelyn Campbell
Guests: Stephen Hinshaw, PhD, Sophie Didier and Sara Chung, PhD
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Transcription. Read the full English transcript of this episode here:
English Transcription – Episode 96: ADHD in Girls and Women
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State of Mind is an all-volunteer produced mental health and wellness podcast and radio show hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate, story-rich conversations with guests and experts, we explore the complexity of being human and how to live well. Learn more at stateofmindmedia.org. Produced with support from KSQD Community Radio.
🙏 SPECIAL THANKS
Audio Production: Austin Gautreau
Community Coordination: Evelyn Campbell
Story Coaching: Patrice Vecchione
Research: Sara Isenberg
Transcriptions: Niharika Naik & Leah Bilstad
Graphic Design: Joanne Quan
Content Distribution: Loan Tran
Theme Music: Adrian Legg & Favored Nations Entertainment
RESOURCES
* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource
Books & Reading
Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Thrive by Stephen P. Hinshaw (2022) – A guide for parents and caregivers focused specifically on understanding ADHD in girls, recognizing how symptoms may be overlooked, and helping girls thrive at home, at school, and socially.
ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know by Stephen P. Hinshaw and Katherine Ellison (2015) – An accessible, research-based overview of ADHD that addresses diagnosis, causes, treatment, common misconceptions, and how ADHD can affect people across the lifespan. The book also examines differences in how ADHD may present in girls and women and offers guidance for families, educators, clinicians, and the general public.
Darcy Dreamer: My ADHD Toolkit Books by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez – Part of a series for young children designed to help families understand ADHD through engaging stories and illustrations. Written by child psychologist and ADHD specialist Dr. Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez. Available in English and Spanish.
Benji’s Busy Brain: My ADHD Toolkit Books by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez – An illustrated children’s book in the My ADHD Toolkit series that helps children and families better understand the ADHD brain and develop practical tools for everyday challenges.
ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD by Penn Holderness and Kim Holderness – An accessible and humorous book for people with ADHD and their families that combines personal experience with practical strategies for understanding and living with ADHD.
Websites & Organizations
CHADD — Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – A national organization offering reliable ADHD education, webinars, support groups, practical tools, and resources for children, adults, families, educators, and professionals.
*CHADD of California–A state chapter of CHADD that supports individuals and families affected by ADHD across California through education, community connection, advocacy, and peer support. To find a CHADD chapter, peer support meeting, or ADHD-related resources in California, visit https://chadd.org/chapter-locator/.
ADDA — Attention Deficit Disorder Association – An organization focused on adults with ADHD, offering education, peer support, virtual groups, webinars, and practical resources for navigating life with ADHD.
Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD – A center dedicated specifically to improving understanding, recognition, research, and support for girls and women with ADHD.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – A resource focused on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN provides information for employees and employers about practical workplace accommodations, disclosure, and rights related to disability.
ADHD Strengths & Practical Tools
How to Recognize Your ADHD Strengths — ADDA – A resource for identifying personal strengths associated with ADHD and learning how to use those strengths more intentionally in daily life.
Understanding ADHD from a Strengths-Based Perspective — CHADD – A strengths-based look at ADHD that encourages people to recognize abilities and positive qualities alongside the challenges associated with the condition.
Videos & Media
How to ADHD — YouTube – Jessica McCabe’s accessible video series explaining ADHD, common challenges, and practical strategies. Sophie recommends it especially for people who are newly diagnosed or trying to help family and friends better understand ADHD.
Counseling Support
*Family Service Agency (FSA) of the Central Coast – Long-time State of Mind underwriter offering low-cost and Medi-Cal/Medicare therapy for all ages, including sliding-scale options. Offices in Santa Cruz and Soquel.
📞 Santa Cruz: 831-423-9444 x200 | Soquel: 831-346-6767 x200
*Shine a Light Counseling Center – Provides affordable therapy services, including individual, couples, family, and group therapy (including men’s groups), across Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Monterey.
📞 831-996-1222
Contact Guests & Professional Links
Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD – UC Berkeley Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC San Francisco. His work focuses on ADHD, particularly in girls and women, developmental mental health, and reducing stigma around mental illness.
LinkedIn: Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD
Sara Chung, PhD — UC San Francisco Hyperactivity, Attention and Learning Problems Program – Information about Dr. Sara Chung and the UCSF program providing assessment and treatment for children and families affected by attention, behavior, and learning concerns.
LinkedIn: Sara Chung, PhD
Sophie Didier
Email: sophiejdidier@outlook.com
Call/Text: 913-313-5339
LinkedIn: Sophie Didier
* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource