High Functioning ADHD in Women: A Practical Guide for Australians

High functioning ADHD in women: what it looks like

The Australian ADHD Guideline notes that girls and women may frequently go unrecognised or be diagnosed late (AADPA). ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms cause impairment in at least two settings, so it helps to think about each part of your life before an appointment.

ReachOut Australia states that teenage girls are more likely to experience the “inattentive” type, which is less visible (ReachOut). For more detail, read our guides to inattentive ADHD in women and symptoms of ADHD in women.

High functioning ADHD in women: symptoms and presentations

Clinicians do not use “high functioning” as a label. The Australian ADHD Guideline describes three presentations, based on which symptom thresholds are met (Australian ADHD Guideline).

• Inattentive presentation: the symptom threshold for inattention is met.
• Hyperactive-impulsive presentation: the symptom threshold for hyperactivity-impulsivity is met.
• Combined presentation: the thresholds for both are met. In its information for children and families, the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne describes combined as the most common type (RCH Kids Health Info).
• Under DSM-5 there are 9 inattentive and 9 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. For people aged over 17 years, only 5 symptoms are required to reach the diagnostic threshold, compared with 6 for children.

See our guides to combined ADHD in women, hyperactive ADHD and ADD and ADHD for the differences. If you are also wondering about autism, read our guide to high functioning autism symptoms, which is a separate topic.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

ADHD and intelligence: are people with ADHD smart?

Questions such as “do people with ADHD have higher IQ” or “are ADHD people smarter” come up often. The diagnostic criteria in the Australian ADHD Guideline are about attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, not intelligence.

• ADHD is diagnosed from symptoms, how long they have lasted and the impairment they cause, not from an IQ score.
• Whether you see it as “ADHD or high IQ”, the two are separate questions, and having ADHD does not tell anyone how capable you are.
• Doing well at school or work does not by itself rule ADHD in or out; the criteria look at symptoms and their impact.
• A clinician may sometimes suggest a separate cognitive assessment for other reasons; ask them what it is for and how the results will be used.

ADHD and giftedness: gifted with ADHD and 2e

“2e” means twice exceptional. It is used for a person who is gifted and also has a learning or neurodevelopmental difference such as ADHD.

• Being gifted with ADHD, or “ADHD 2e”, is not a separate diagnosis; the same ADHD criteria apply.
• If you are a woman with a high IQ and wonder about ADHD, bring your questions about both strengths and challenges to your assessor.
• Ask your assessor whether they have experience with both giftedness and ADHD, and bring school reports and past feedback to the appointment.
• Support can build on strengths, such as interests and problem-solving, while adding practical tools for planning, time and energy.

Online “ADHD IQ” tests and scores cannot replace a proper assessment by a qualified clinician.

High functioning ADHD in women: how it is assessed in Australia

Assessment looks at your history across your life, not just one appointment or one checklist.

1. 1See your GP first. Describe your symptoms, how long they have lasted and how they affect work, study, family and wellbeing.
2. 2Talk about assessment. Ask your GP who can assess ADHD for adults in your area and whether you need a referral.
3. 3Gather your history. Bring school reports, work feedback and, if possible, a parent or partner who can describe your earlier years.
4. 4Expect structured questions. AADPA’s checklist looks for evidence of symptoms before age 12 years, symptoms for at least 6 months and impairment in at least two settings, such as home, work or community (AADPA ADHD Diagnosis Checklist).
5. 5Ask about other explanations. Ask the clinician what else they are considering and why.
6. 6Agree on a plan. The clinician explains the findings and talks with you about supports, which you can accept, adjust or decline.

A free ADHD test for women can help you reflect before an appointment, but a proper assessment is needed.

Support, tools and daily life

Support is about fitting life to how you work, not fixing you. Talk to your GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist about any medicine questions.

• Use external structure such as calendars, alarms and shared lists, so you are not relying on memory for everything.
• Consider a smart watch for ADHD only as a reminder tool for appointments or breaks; it can help with routines but is not a treatment.
• Ask employers or educators about adjustments, such as written instructions, quieter spaces or flexible deadlines.
• If you look at therapy or coaching, ask the practitioner about their experience with adults and what evidence supports their approach.
• Plan rest into your week, and tell your GP if you feel worn out or burnt out.

The healthdirect helpline (1800 022 222; NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) is staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and healthdirect lists the ADHD Foundation on 1300 39 39 19 for ADHD support (healthdirect).

When to talk to a GP or specialist

You do not need to be struggling badly to ask questions. Consider booking an appointment if any of these sound familiar.

• You have long-standing difficulties with focus, organisation or time that affect work, study or relationships.
• You feel exhausted from keeping up, or you rely on last-minute pressure to get things done.
• Your child has been assessed for ADHD and you recognise similar patterns in yourself.
• Low mood, anxiety or burnout is affecting your sleep, eating or ability to cope.
• You are unsure whether your experience is ADHD or something else, and want a proper assessment.

Call 000 in an emergency. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If ADHD affects your daily routines at home or in the community, the right support can make life more manageable. If you meet the NDIS access requirements, TQN Care support workers can help with personal care, community access and help around the home, always led by your goals. You can read about TQN Care NDIS services, make a referral and we will call you back.