✓ Persistent difficulty sustaining attention – Drifting off during lessons, daydreaming, or “zoning out,” especially in long or unengaging tasks.

✓ Quiet distractibility – Attention pulled by internal thoughts, background noise, or other children — often without obvious outward signs.

✓ Internalised impulsivity – Blurting out answers less often than boys, but making quick decisions, rushing work, or interrupting softly or subtly.

✓ Restlessness that looks subtle – Fidgeting with hair, clothes, pencils, or jewellery; shifting in the chair; appearing tense rather than overtly hyperactive.

✓ Difficulty starting tasks – Struggling to begin homework or chores unless the task feels interesting, supported, or broken into steps.

✓ Poor working memory – Forgetting instructions, losing track of what they were doing, misplacing items, or needing repeated reminders.

✓ Emotional sensitivity and quick overwhelm – Strong feelings, big reactions to small setbacks, or becoming tearful or frustrated when demands feel too much.

✓ Disorganisation in daily routines – Difficulty keeping track of belongings, remembering deadlines, or managing school routines without prompts.

✓ Inconsistent performance – Bright and capable, but work quality varies; may excel in creative or high‑interest areas while struggling with routine tasks.

✓ Hyperfocus on preferred activities – Deep focus on reading, drawing, friendships, or special interests — making transitions away from them challenging.