Meet Spaaan

Helping Women with ADHD Discover Their Strengths

Spaaan is dedicated to empowering adults to recognize ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms early, for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns (at least 6 months) of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. (World Health Organization, ICD-11, 2024). These core symptoms can manifest differently across individuals and genders.

Our current research focuses on women, who are often overlooked in ADHD studies and face distinct challenges. We are committed to expanding our understanding to include a broader range of experiences as we grow, ensuring no one is left behind.

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 mental health outcomes.

Strengthening Care and Awareness

At Spaaan, we're committed to close this gap, ensuring that women receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

We are currently pioneering innovative approaches to support women with ADHD by:

1. Raising Awareness: Providing tools and resources to help women understand the nuances of their ADHD experiences and cultivate their neurodivergent strengths.

2. Supporting Clinicians: Partnering with clinicians to enhance patient care through actionable insights and personalized support strategies, ultimately improving lives.