ADHD and Social Skills

Social Skills And ADHD

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Many children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit significant concerns with regard to their social and emotional functioning.  Research has indicated that there is a high correlation between children who have ADHD and their social skills.  What is important to understand is that many of these children do not have specific social deficits (such as those often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder); however, the issues with impulsivity and attention to detail impact the social success of the child.

Social Concerns for Kids with ADHDADHD and social skills

Children with impulse control issues and inattention are often at risk for social concerns because of the impact that these issues have on the child’s socialization.  Oftentimes the children have difficulty ‘putting the brakes on’ when playing with peers and struggle with regulating behavior.  The other children might become upset and shy away in future social events.  These children are also at risk for missing social cues when engaging peers which might lead to rejection or neglect in future interactions.

Strategies to Build Social Skills in Kids with ADHD

It is important to provide strategies and support to improve the socialization of children who have ADHD.  These children often need extra support in non-structured situations such as the playground, recess, gym time.  Parents and teachers should work closely with the children to ensure that they are able to provide extra guidance during these activities.  Provide the child with immediate feedback about how his or her behavior is impacting the social environment as well as how to better handle the situation in the future.

Oftentimes with ADHD we are worried about a child’s academic performance; however, we must also be concerned and intervene for his or her socialization and emotional functioning.

Click here to read more about how ADHD affects your child’s social skills and friendships.


ADHD Resource Center
NSPT offers Behavior Therapy in Bucktown, Evanston, Highland Park, Lincolnwood (coming soon), Glenview and the Neuropsychology Diagnostic and Testing Center in Des Plaines. If you have questions, or concerns, about your child, we would love to help! Give us a call at (877) 486-4140 and speak to one of our Family Child Advocates today!