• Girls with ADHD often show quiet, inattentive signs like daydreaming and disorganisation rather than obvious hyperactivity.
• Assessment tools historically built around hyperactive boys mean many girls with ADHD are overlooked or misdiagnosed.
• Tracking behaviour, talking openly with your daughter, and involving her teachers are practical first steps if you notice these signs.
• An ADHD assessment for children through Sureway Health & Wellbeing, available in Melbourne provides clarity and a path to ongoing support.

Summary:

ADHD often presents differently in girls than in boys, showing up as daydreaming, disorganisation, perfectionism, and subtle restlessness rather than obvious hyperactivity. Because these signs are quiet and easy to explain away, many girls go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety. A proper psychological ADHD assessment, such as those offered by Sureway Health & Wellbeing, helps families get clarity and access the right support for their daughter.

Outline:

• What are the Subtle Everyday Signs of ADHD in Girls
• Why Girls With ADHD Are Often Misdiagnosed or Overlooked
• What to Do if You Recognise These Signs in Your Daughter
• How Sureway Health & Wellbeing Can Help You Get an ADHD Assessment
• FAQs About ADHD in Girls and Women

When we think about ADHD, we often picture a bouncing energetic child who can’t sit still. But ADHD looks very different in girls, and this is one of the main reasons it gets missed. Many girls don’t show the loud, physical signs people expect. Instead, their signs are quiet, easy to hide, and easy to explain away as personality traits.

This article will walk you through the everyday signs of ADHD in girls that parents and teachers often overlook. We’ll explain why girls are so often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, and what steps you can take if you notice these signs in your daughter. 

We’ll also share how Sureway Health & Wellbeing supports families through a thorough ADHD assessment for children, so you can get real answers and the right support.

What are the Subtle Everyday Signs of ADHD in Girls

Every child is different. But there are some common patterns that may point to ADHD in girls and are worth watching for.

Daydreaming or trouble focusing

A girl with ADHD might seem to drift off during lessons or conversations. She may look like she’s not listening, even when she’s trying hard to pay attention. Because this behaviour is quiet, it’s often mistaken for shyness or a lack of interest. This is one of the biggest reasons girls go undiagnosed for so long.

Forgetfulness and disorganisation

Losing belongings, forgetting homework, or struggling to keep school materials tidy can all be signs. A girl with ADHD might start a task full of enthusiasm, then find it hard to see it through to the end. This can leave her feeling frustrated with herself.

Impulsivity

Some girls act before they think. This might show up as interrupting others, blurting out answers, or making quick decisions without weighing things up first. As she gets older, this impulsivity can turn into risk-taking or choices that affect her friendships and confidence.

Perfectionism and masking behaviours

To hide their struggles, some girls develop habits that look like perfectionism. She might check her bag several times a day to make sure nothing is missing, or take detailed notes out of fear she’ll miss something important. While this can look like she’s simply being diligent, it often comes from anxiety and a fear of getting things wrong. Keeping up this effort day after day can be exhausting and adds to her stress levels.

Hyperactivity in subtle forms

Hyperactivity is a well-known sign of ADHD, but in girls it rarely looks like non-stop physical movement. It’s more likely to show up as restlessness, doodling, or constant fidgeting. She might always want to answer questions in class, or be described as chatty and talkative. She may also feel like her mind is constantly busy, even when her body is still.

Social challenges

Friendships can be hard for many children with ADHD, and this can be especially tough for girls. She may find it difficult to read the emotional ups and downs of friendships, particularly during the teenage years. Girls with ADHD can misread social cues, feel left out, or pull away from friends altogether. Over time, this can chip away at her confidence and her sense of belonging.

Why Girls With ADHD Are Often Misdiagnosed or Overlooked

ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in girls, and there are a few key reasons for this.

Boys with ADHD tend to show the hyperactive type, with physical, disruptive behaviour that’s hard to miss. Girls are far more likely to show the inattentive type. Their symptoms tend to be internal rather than outward, so they present as quietly distracted, extra chatty, or slow to finish tasks.

Here are the main reasons this leads to girls being missed or misdiagnosed:

• Internalised symptoms
  Girls are more likely to experience racing thoughts, low self-esteem, and big emotional reactions. These signs are commonly mistaken for anxiety or depression rather than ADHD.

• Social masking
  To keep up appearances, girls often put enormous energy into staying organised. Behind closed doors, this can lead to burnout, perfectionism, and constant stress.

• Assessment tools built around boys
  Many clinical tools for spotting ADHD were designed around hyperactive boys. As a result, they can miss the quieter, more internal signs that are common in girls.

Understanding these differences is an important first step. It’s also why a psychological ADHD assessment that takes gender differences into account matters so much.

What to Do if You Recognise These Signs in Your Daughter

Noticing these signs in your daughter can bring up a mix of emotions, from relief at finally understanding her behaviour to worry about what comes next. The good news is there are clear, practical steps you can take, and you don’t need to have all the answers right away. 

Here are some simple steps to guide you.

Observe and document

Keep a note of specific moments. Write down when she loses things, struggles to finish a task, or seems more stressed than usual. This information will be genuinely helpful for any professional involved in her care.

Consult a professional

Book in for a proper ADHD assessment for kids with a developmental paediatrician, psychologist, or another qualified professional. A formal evaluation is the clearest way to understand what’s really going on.

Talk with her openly

Have a gentle conversation about how she’s feeling. Ask if schoolwork feels hard to keep up with, or if she often feels anxious or stressed. Reassure her that her brain simply works a little differently, and remind her of her strengths and creativity.

Communicate with her teachers

Let her teachers know you’re seeking an evaluation. Work together to see if small changes could help, like a quieter place to work or written instructions for multi-step tasks.

Build a supportive environment at home

Visual schedules, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, and steady daily routines can all help reduce stress and make everyday life feel more manageable for her.

How Sureway Health & Wellbeing Can Help You Get an ADHD Assessment

At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, we offer thorough ADHD assessments for both children and adults, so families can better understand how ADHD might be affecting daily life. We’ll guide you through common signs and symptoms, the benefits of a diagnosis, what to expect from the assessment process, and the support available afterwards. 

We also offer in-person ADHD assessments in Melbourne. For adults, we also provide online assessments via telehealth across Australia.

Our assessments use evidence-based tools and structured conversations to look closely at symptoms, behaviour, and daily functioning. Every assessment is tailored to the individual, with their needs and goals front of mind.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we offer therapy and other forms of support, like targeted strategies to improve daily function, to help your child manage her symptoms and build lasting confidence.

If you recognise any of these signs in your daughter, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Reach out to Sureway Health & Wellbeing today to book an ADHD assessment for your child and take the first step towards real answers and the right support.

Sureway Health and Wellbeing psychology team provide services across the following locations: Bundoora, Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Eltham, Diamond Valley, North Eastern Melbourne and via telehealth Australia wide.

FAQs About ADHD in Girls and Women

The post Why ADHD Looks Different in Girls (And Why It’s Often Missed) appeared first on Sureway Health and Wellbeing.

• DVA funding covers psychology and counselling for veterans, dependents, and eligible family members through Gold, White, and Orange Cards.
• DVA-funded psychological services support conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and social isolation.
• Veterans with a Gold Card, or a White Card that covers mental health, can access DVA psychology sessions with no out-of-pocket gap fee.
• Starting DVA psychology services at Sureway Health & Wellbeing begins with a referral from a GP.

Summary:

DVA-funded psychology gives veterans and their families access to mental health support with no gap fee, provided their practitioner accepts a DVA Gold or White Card. Sureway Health & Wellbeing offers DVA psychology services covering anxiety, trauma, grief, and more, delivered by clinicians who understand the veteran experience. Getting started is simple, with veterans able to speak to their GP for a referral to begin DVA psychology sessions at Sureway.

Outline:

• What is DVA Funding and Who is Eligible?
• What Mental Health Services Are Covered by DVA
• What Does ‘No Gap Fee’ Mean for DVA-Funded Services?
• How to Access DVA-Funded Psychology at Sureway Health & Wellbeing

Australian veterans and their families give a great deal in service to our country. Many carry the impact of that service with them long after their time in uniform ends. The good news is that support is available, and for many, it comes at no cost. Through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), eligible veterans and their families can access psychology and counselling with no gap fee. 

At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, our team of experienced clinicians works closely with DVA clients, helping them find a path towards better mental health. If you or someone you love has served, this article will walk you through how DVA psychology sessions work and how simple it can be to get started.

What is DVA Funding and Who is Eligible?

DVA funding covers the healthcare, income support, and wellbeing programs provided by the Australian Government for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, along with their eligible families. This funding is delivered mainly through DVA Health Cards, and each card offers a different level of support.

• Gold Card holders receive the highest level of coverage. This card funds medical, dental, and hospital care for any condition, regardless of its connection to military service.
• White Card holders are covered for conditions accepted by DVA as service-related. Importantly, this card also funds mental health support for any veteran, no matter their service history.
• Orange Card holders receive subsidised pharmaceuticals through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, available to certain eligible veterans.

Eligibility for DVA support depends on your individual circumstances and service history. Broadly, you may be eligible if you fall into one of these groups:

•  Veterans who served in the ADF, including those with qualifying or operational service in past conflicts.
• Former serving members, including reservists and cadets, who may be able to claim compensation for a medical condition related to their service.
• Current serving members, who may access medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support connected to their service.
• Family and dependants, including partners, widows and widowers, and children of eligible veterans, who may access financial assistance and other benefits.
• Police officers who served in a declared peacekeeping force may also be eligible for compensation, depending on when their claim was lodged.

There is also a program called Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), which allows current and former full-time ADF personnel, and some Reservists, to receive treatment for any mental health condition, along with certain cancers and pulmonary tuberculosis, regardless of any connection to service.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, a Veteran Support Officer can guide you through your options.

What Mental Health Services Are Covered by DVA

DVA-funded psychology and counselling services are designed to support the full range of challenges that veterans and their families can face. Through DVA psychology sessions, eligible individuals can receive support for:

• Anxiety and depression
• Stress or anger
• Trauma
• Poor sleep
• Social isolation
• Addiction
• Relationship challenges
• Grief and loss
• Dealing with change

Every person’s experience is different, and a good clinician will tailor sessions to what matters most for you. Whatever you are facing, DVA psychology services exist to give you real, practical support..

What Does ‘No Gap Fee’ Mean for DVA-Funded Services?

One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is cost. That barrier disappears with DVA-funded psychology. When you see a practitioner who accepts the DVA Gold or White Card for direct billing, DVA pays the provider directly. 

This means no invoice, no out-of-pocket payment, and no gap fee for you to cover. You simply attend your sessions and focus on your wellbeing, while the funding is handled behind the scenes..

How to Access DVA-Funded Psychology at Sureway Health & Wellbeing

Getting started with DVA-funded psychological services at Sureway Health & Wellbeing is straightforward. If you hold a Veteran White Card that covers mental health, or a Veteran Gold Card, you are likely eligible for fully funded treatment.

Here is how to begin:

• Book a double appointment with your GP. This gives you enough time to properly discuss your mental health and any support you may need.
• Speak openly with your GP about how you have been feeling and the challenges you are facing.
• Ask for a referral to Sureway Health & Wellbeing. Your GP can refer you directly to our team, so you can begin your DVA-funded psychology sessions with a clinician who understands the veteran experience.

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through DVA-funded psychology and counselling, veterans and their families can access the mental health care they deserve, with no gap fee standing in the way. 

At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, our clinicians are ready to walk alongside you, wherever you are on your journey. If you are a veteran, a family member, or someone who supports one, now is the time to take that first step. 

Speak to your GP about a referral, or contact Sureway Health & Wellbeing today to book an appointment or refer someone you care about.

Sureway Health and Wellbeing psychology team provide services across the following locations: Bundoora, Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Eltham, Diamond Valley, North Eastern Melbourne and via telehealth Australia wide.

The post How Veterans Can Access DVA Psychology Sessions at Sureway appeared first on Sureway Health and Wellbeing.

• AuDHD refers to the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, which can be harder to identify than either condition on its own.
• People who already have one diagnosis, or who have spent years masking their traits, often benefit most from an AuDHD assessment.
• Signs of AuDHD can look different in children and adults, ranging from inconsistent performance at school to burnout in adulthood.
• The NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments, so a diagnosis must be obtained first before applying for NDIS support.

Summary:

AuDHD describes the experience of having both autism and ADHD, a combination that can be hard to spot because the two conditions often mask each other. Understanding the difference between AuDHD and ADHD can help adults and children get a more accurate diagnosis and the right kind of support. This guide covers who should consider an AuDHD assessment for adults, the signs to watch for, and how to access assessment and support through the NDIS.

Outline:

• What Is AuDHD and Why Is It Often Missed?
• Who Should Get an AuDHD Assessment?
• Signs You or Your Child Might Have AuDHD
• How to Access an AuDHD Assessment Through NDIS
• Get AuDHD Support from Sureway Health & Wellbeing

Do you ever feel like your mind is pulling you in two directions at once? Maybe you crave routine, but you also get bored easily. Maybe you want to connect with others, but conversations feel tricky. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with AuDHD.

AuDHD is when autism and ADHD show up together in the same person. It’s more common than many people realise, yet it’s often missed or misunderstood. Getting the right AuDHD assessment can be life-changing. It helps you understand yourself better and opens the door to support that actually fits your needs.

At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, we walk alongside people through this process. Through this guide, we’ll explain what AuDHD is, who should consider an assessment, the signs to look out for, and how to access support, including through the NDIS.

What Is AuDHD and Why Is It Often Missed?

AuDHD is a term used by neurodivergent communities to describe someone who has both autism and ADHD. For a long time, professionals believed these two conditions couldn’t occur together. We now know that’s not true. Many people live with both, and each condition shapes how the other one shows up.

AuDHD isn’t an official diagnosis on its own. Instead, it’s a helpful way to describe a very real experience: managing social differences, sensory sensitivity, trouble with everyday planning, and big emotions, sometimes all at the same time.

So, what’s the difference between AuDHD and ADHD? 

ADHD on its own usually involves difficulty with focus, impulsivity, and restlessness. AuDHD includes those traits too, but they sit alongside autistic traits like a need for routine, sensory sensitivities, and differences in social communication. 

Understanding AuDHD vs ADHD matters because the two can look quite different from the outside, even though they share some common ground.

Why does AuDHD often get missed?

This combination often gets missed because autism and ADHD can hide each other. For instance, a person’s ADHD impulsivity might be balanced out by autistic caution, making both traits harder to spot. 

Many people, especially adults, become skilled at masking their struggles so they can fit in and get by. On the outside, everything might look fine. On the inside, it can be a different story. 

This is why so many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression before anyone considers AuDHD.

Who Should Get an AuDHD Assessment?

An AuDHD assessment can help many different people. It’s especially useful if you’ve had long-term struggles with organising your day, alongside sensory, social, or communication differences that don’t quite fit the picture of just one condition.

You might benefit from an adult AuDHD assessment if you:

• Already have an ADHD diagnosis but still struggle with sensory overload, a strong need for routine, or social communication
• Feel like past assessments never told the whole story
• Have spent years masking your traits, only to hit a wall of exhaustion, anxiety, or low mood later in life
• Feel deeply misunderstood, even after seeing other professionals

If any of this sounds like you, or someone you love, an AuDHD assessment for adults can offer real clarity. It’s not about putting a label on someone. It’s about finally understanding the full picture, so the right support can follow.

Signs You or Your Child Might Have AuDHD

AuDHD often feels like an inner tug-of-war. The autistic need for sameness and routine pulls one way, while the ADHD drive for novelty and stimulation pulls the other. These traits can look different depending on someone’s age, but there are some patterns that often show up across the board.

Shared traits in children and adults:

• Hyperfocus and inattention: Deep focus on favourite topics, paired with real difficulty concentrating on tasks that aren’t interesting
• Wanting connection but finding it hard: Genuinely wanting friendships, but struggling with the back-and-forth of conversation, whether that’s interrupting without meaning to or missing social cues
• Sensory seeking and sensory overload: Needing movement or noise to feel settled, while also finding bright lights, itchy clothing, or loud spaces hard to bear
• Big emotions: Strong emotional highs and lows, where small setbacks can feel like a lot to handle

Common signs in children:

• Doing really well in some subjects, but finding it hard to follow multi-step instructions or sit through unstimulating classroom tasks
• Being seen as “difficult” or “lazy” when the real issue is trouble remembering steps or holding information in mind
• Meltdowns in busy or unpredictable places, like the lunchroom, or when the daily routine suddenly changes

Common signs in adults:

• Working hard to appear capable and composed, which can be exhausting and often leads to burnout
• Ongoing struggles with planning, staying organised, remembering appointments, or keeping on top of bills
• Needing structure to get through the day, but also getting bored quickly and always chasing something new
• Feeling constantly tired from the pull between wanting routine and wanting stimulation

If several of these signs sound familiar, it may be worth speaking with a professional about an AuDHD assessment.

How to Access an AuDHD Assessment Through NDIS

It’s important to know that the NDIS does not fund the actual diagnostic assessment for AuDHD. Getting diagnosed is part of the health system, not the NDIS. Diagnostic assessments are usually completed through private clinicians or Medicare, and a diagnosis needs to happen before you apply for NDIS support.

Here’s how the process generally works.

Step 1: Get your diagnosis

For ADHD, start with a visit to your GP so they can refer you to a psychiatrist. Depending on the assessment pathway, a Mental Health Care Plan may help cover part of the cost of psychological appointments through Medicare.

For autism, you’ll need a full clinical assessment with a registered psychologist or psychiatrist.

Step 2: Gather evidence of how AuDHD affects your daily life

It’s important to remember that a diagnosis alone isn’t enough to access the NDIS. You’ll also need to show how AuDHD affects your everyday life on an ongoing basis. This usually includes:

• A diagnostic report that clearly states your condition meets DSM-5 criteria
• A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA), completed with an Occupational Therapist
• Supporting letters from your GP, allied health professionals, or even past teachers or employers, explaining how your symptoms affect your communication, social interaction, learning, or self-care

Step 3: Submit your application

Once you’ve gathered your evidence, you can apply to become an NDIS participant. You can do this by:

• Downloading an Access Request Form (ARF), or
• Calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to request one over the phone

From there, you can submit your completed ARF along with your clinical reports to the NDIA for review.

Get AuDHD Support from Sureway Health & Wellbeing

Sureway Health & Wellbeing understands that AuDHD looks different for everyone. That’s why we take the time to provide thorough, caring, and personalised assessments. Our experienced team assesses for autism, ADHD, and the combination of both, so nothing gets missed, and you get the full picture.

Our support doesn’t stop once you have a diagnosis. Afterwards, our team will guide you through the next steps. This might include therapy, care planning, or referrals to other services. We want to help you or your child thrive, with care that’s built around your own strengths, challenges, and goals.

You can visit us at our Bundoora and Eltham locations. We also support people across nearby suburbs, including Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Diamond Creek, and Northeast Melbourne. If you’re further away, we offer telehealth appointments Australia-wide, so support is never out of reach.

If any of this sounds like you, your child, or someone you love, we’d love to hear from you. Book an appointment with Sureway Health & Wellbeing today, or pass this on to someone who might need it. Our team is here to listen and support you every step of the way.

Sureway Health and Wellbeing psychology team provide services across the following locations: Bundoora, Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Eltham, Diamond Valley, North Eastern Melbourne and via telehealth Australia wide.

The post AuDHD Assessments for Adults and Children: A Complete Guide appeared first on Sureway Health and Wellbeing.