For the child with or without attention difficulties, social skills training is invaluable. Social skills training targets a person’s interactions with other people. It often involves role-playing as a way to teach the child what behaviors are appropriate in a social setting. For example, social skills training will teach the ADHD child how to wait in line, share toys, respond to teasing, and read other people’s expressions.

ADHD relationship problems and social skills challenges affect virtually every area of life, but with time and practice, they can be improved. Social skills training can be practiced with a parent, therapist, or other adults. In the best case scenario, parents should allow children to practice social skills with as many adults and children as possible, and should enlist professional help such as psychologists and counselors. The sooner an ADHD child receives social skills training, the better off the child will be in school and at home. The following are some areas where the child with ADHD may need help in social skills training:

• Watch a group of peers. Learn how to observe their behavior and evaluate if a group is appropriate.
• Monitor personal behavior. Be friendly and approachable. Keep a calm demeanor and low tone of voice.
• Wait for a break in the conversation before speaking. Try to let others finish what they’re saying before you speak.
• Think about the feelings of other people. Be careful about teasing, bragging, criticizing, or making jokes at the expense of other people.
• Learn about personal space. Strangers and casual acquaintances might feel uncomfortable with someone else standing too close or touching their possessions.

While social skills do not always come naturally for any child, including the ADHD child, these skills can be learned and incorporated into everyday life. When a child sees the positive results of good social skills, it will reinforce those skills and encourage the child to learn more conventional behavior. Good social skills also provide a wonderful, positive boost for ADHD self esteem issues.