Why ADHD gets missed in high-achieving women

Do you look like you’re coping on the outside… whilst feeling overwhelmed underneath it all?

Many high-achieving women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years because they appear successful, capable and “high functioning” externally — whilst internally battling chronic overwhelm, perfectionism, anxiety and exhaustion.

In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas explores why ADHD gets missed in high-achieving women, and the hidden cost of masking, overcompensating and holding everything together.

Inside the episode, Michaela explores:

• ADHD masking and overfunctioning in women
• why intelligent and successful women often get missed
• the “good girl” adaptation and perfectionism
• ADHD burnout and nervous system overwhelm
• the difference between coping and truly thriving
• why many women don’t seek support until later in life

Because many women with ADHD were never truly “fine”. They simply became exceptionally skilled at hiding the struggle — from others and from themselves.

If this episode resonates and you’d like to explore ADHD assessment further, head on over to www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd to learn more about compassionate online and in-person ADHD assessments for women.