Meet Spaaan

Helping Women with ADHD Discover Their Strengths

At Spaaan, we are an early-stage venture researching how digital tools and resources could help women with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) better understand their experiences and recognize their strengths.

According to the World Health Organization (ICD-11, 01-2025), ADHD is defined by persistent patterns, lasting at least six months, of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. These core symptoms can appear in different ways across individuals and genders.

Our current focus is on women, who are often underrepresented in ADHD research and face distinct challenges. As we grow, we aim to expand this lens to include a broader range of experiences.

Why Focus on Women with ADHD?

Research shows that ADHD often presents differently and more subtly in women compared to men (Young et al., 2020). Symptoms are typically more internalized, such as inattention, emotional dysregulation and low self-esteem, making them easier to overlook compared to the more disruptive behaviors affecting conduct often seen in boys and men. Hormonal changes may further influence when ADHD symptoms start and how they appear. These differences contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment, missing critical opportunities for support and care.

Recent large-scale research (Young et al., 2024) confirmed these patterns and added new insights: while clinical evaluations show similar symptom severity between man and women, studies based on self-reports from the general population find that girls and women often display milder symptoms, especially less hyperactivity, which reduces the likelihood of being noticed and referred for diagnosis.

Underlying differences in how ADHD symptoms are expressed and how they affect daily functioning may contribute to under-recognition in women and girls. As a result, many remain undiagnosed and untreated, with significant consequences for their social, educational, and health outcomes.

Strengthening Awareness and Collaboration

We’re building a research-driven foundation to increase awareness and inform future support for women with ADHD.

  • Raising awareness: We create evidence-based explainers and community-informed resources that make research on women’s ADHD experiences more accessible.

  • Engaging clinicians: Collaborations and feedback loops to align real-world needs with early concepts, so insights can potentially guide future practice.

Current Work

We’re excited to share our ongoing research, insights, and resources to empower women with ADHD and highlight diverse lived experiences.

Over the past two years, we have been:

  • Advancing user-centered design: Conducting in-depth research to ensure our prototypes reflect the real needs of individuals with ADHD.

  • Promoting cross-disciplinary collaborations: Working with experts in ADHD, healthcare, and technology to develop approaches informed by multiple perspectives.

  • Engaging with thought leaders: Participating in scientific and professional discussions to exchange knowledge, share mutual findings and build meaningful partnerships.

Looking Ahead

We’re laying the foundation for a long-term vision. After extensive research and exploration, we continue to examine the best methods to advance scientific understanding, uncover the complexities of ADHD, and co-create educational and community resources within the broader field of behavioral health.

As we move forward with a careful, steady approach, we seek partners equally dedicated to expanding awareness and shaping sustainable, research-driven initiatives that reflect the lived realities of ADHD and its intersections with other neurodevelopmental and brain-related conditions.

Recognition and Support

In 2022/2023, Spaaan was proudly part of the Future Health Startup Program by Berlin Innovation Agency (BIA), supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Berlin Senate, receiving recognition for our innovative approach to ADHD support.

Disclaimer: Spaaan is an early-stage, research-driven initiative. The information we share is for educational and community purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about ADHD or related health topics, we encourage you to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Our focus is on raising awareness, co-creating knowledge, and exploring future possibilities together.

Contact us.

If you are interested in exploring collaborations or learning more, please reach out using the contact form. Together, we can challenge the status quo and advance truly patient-centred approaches that grow from lived experience.