Name
Behind the mask: ADHD, anxiety & the hidden realities of women and girls
Date & Time
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Samantha Hiew
Description

Join Dr. Samantha Hiew for a transformative talk on the diverse realities of ADHD and anxiety in girls and women. ADHD rarely travels alone - it often co-occurs with anxiety, autism (AuDHD), hormonal challenges, and trauma. For women and girls, these intersections are even more complex. Too often, ADHD is missed or misunderstood because of masking - the survival strategy of hiding or overcompensating for symptoms in order to cope or conform.

In this session, Samantha will bring together science, lived experience research, and her pioneering work in neurodiversity advocacy to illuminate the hidden patterns of ADHD in women and girls; explore how co-occurrences like anxiety, autism, and trauma show up in daily life; unpack the toll of chronic stress, burnout, and delayed recognition; and offer practical tools and new perspectives that empower professionals, families, and individuals to create real support. 

This isn’t just about recognising ADHD - it’s about understanding the diverse spectrum of human experience. Participants will leave with deeper insight, powerful validation, and a toolkit for supporting women and girls in ways that foster wellbeing and belonging.