Inattentive ADHD
What Is Inattentive ADHD? Understanding the Most Overlooked Presentation
When we think of ADHD, we often imagine a child who is constantly on the move, interrupting conversations, fidgeting in their seat, and bouncing from task to task. But there is another side of ADHD that is far more subtle and often missed. It is called inattentive ADHD.
Formerly known as ADD, inattentive ADHD doesn’t come with the visible restlessness and impulsivity we often associate with ADHD. Instead, children (and adults) with this presentation may seem quiet, forgetful, disorganised, or simply “not trying hard enough.” In reality, they’re navigating a very real neurological difference that affects how they focus, plan, and process information.
What Does Inattentive ADHD Look Like?
Inattentive ADHD (officially ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation) is characterised by difficulties with focus, organisation, memory, and task completion. It does not include significant hyperactivity or impulsivity, which means these children are less likely to be referred for assessment, especially if they are managing to fly under the radar at school.
Core symptoms include:
Struggling to pay close attention to details, often making careless mistakes
Difficulty sustaining focus during tasks, conversations, or lessons
Appearing not to listen, even when spoken to directly
Trouble following through on instructions or finishing tasks
Disorganised thinking and difficulty managing time
Avoiding or resisting mentally demanding tasks (like homework)
Losing everyday items like books, keys, or school supplies
Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or minor stimuli
Forgetting appointments, chores, or important tasks
To meet diagnostic criteria, a child must show at least six of these symptoms (or five for adolescents and adults), and they must be interfering with daily life.
Why It’s Often Missed, Especially in Girls
Inattentive ADHD is the most common ADHD presentation in adolescence and adulthood, but it’s also the most likely to be overlooked. Girls are particularly vulnerable to being missed, as their symptoms often present more subtly and are more likely to be masked by compliance, perfectionism, or anxiety.
A child with inattentive ADHD might seem like a “dreamer” or “daydreamer.” They may be told they need to try harder or focus more. But what’s often happening is neurological, not behavioural.
Cognitive and Emotional Differences
Children with inattentive ADHD often have:
Slower processing speed, which means they may take longer to complete tasks or answer questions
Struggles with working memory, making it difficult to hold information in mind and use it to complete multi-step tasks
Internalised difficulties, like anxiety, low self-esteem, and perfectionism, rather than externalised behaviour like defiance or meltdowns
Social passivity, where they may be quietly left out or overlooked by peers, rather than being actively rejected
This quieter presentation can lead to years of missed support, especially when the child is bright, compliant, or eager to please.
Inattentive ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions
Inattentive ADHD often co-occurs with:
Anxiety
Depression
Specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia or dysgraphia
Autism Spectrum (see our blog an autism in girls here)
Because of this overlap, symptoms of ADHD may be incorrectly attributed to these other conditions, or missed entirely.
Diagnosing Inattentive ADHD
Assessment involves more than a symptom checklist. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation looks at:
Executive functioning (e.g., memory, planning, organisation)
Academic achievement
Processing speed
Emotional regulation and self-perception
Functional impact across school, home, and social settings
It’s also crucial to explore life transitions. Many individuals, especially girls and women, cope well until their executive load increases (e.g., starting high school, university, or becoming a parent), at which point previously manageable challenges become overwhelming. To learn more about ADHD assessments, click here.
Does Medication Help?
Stimulant medication can be effective for inattentive ADHD, but the response may differ from those with hyperactive or combined presentations. Children with inattentive ADHD sometimes benefit from medication, but improvements can be more subtle (e.g., increased task completion, fewer reminders needed, better time management).
As always, medication is not a standalone solution. It works best when paired with practical supports.
Psychological Support That Helps
Effective interventions for inattentive ADHD include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for planning, organisation, and time management
Executive functioning coaching, including planner use, task breakdowns, and time-blocking
Supportive classroom adjustments, like visual schedules, chunked tasks, and quiet workspaces
Psychoeducation, to help children understand their brains and reduce internalised shame
Parent coaching, to shift from compliance-based strategies to collaborative supports
Final Thoughts
Inattentive ADHD can be life-changing when recognised and life-limiting when missed. At The Neurodevelopment Clinic, we look beyond the stereotypes to understand each individual’s unique cognitive profile. If your child struggles with focus, organisation, or school performance, and it is not for lack of effort, we are here to help.
A comprehensive assessment can provide clarity, affirm your child’s experience, and guide the next steps.
If this resonates with you get in touch here. We offer neuroaffirming ADHD assessments that centre the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
