How to Improve Social Skills in Kids with ADHD

Social skills are what we use to facilitate and continue interactions with other people. It is essential for children to learn the skills necessary to connect and communicate with people in the world, but some face more challenges than others. This is often true for those with ADHD and related conditions. 

In this article, I'll first outline the ways that ADHD can affect social skills. Then, I'll discuss how to help your child with ADHD improve social skills through practicing at home, creating opportunities for friendship, and other means. 

ADHD and Social Skills

ADHD symptoms such as trouble waiting for one's turn, difficulty paying attention, including when others speak, interrupting, or intruding on the activities and conversations of others can all make socializing a challenge. 

Research shows that kids with ADHD experience social rejection at higher rates than other kids and may have a harder time making friends. Furthermore, ADHD is linked to low self-esteem, and if this is the case for your child, it may be hard for them to make friends or connect with peers. 

Kids who have already experienced social rejection might have trouble overcoming it. That said, past or present struggles don't have to set a precedent for the future. 

How to Help Your Child with ADHD Improve Social Skills

It is possible to help your child with ADHD improve social skills and make positive associations with other kids. Use these tips for parents, and adjust them to ensure that they are age-appropriate for your child.

Practice with Your Child

Most likely, you and your child engage in activities together that they might do with a friend now or in the future, such as playing games, making art, spending time at the park, theater, or museum, and even completing homework assignments. This gives you an opportunity to practice social skills with your child in a way that feels natural. 

Let's say that they have trouble with sharing, waiting for their turn, letting others pick an activity, or interrupting. When this happens, you can redirect your child gently by letting them know how this action might make someone else feel and what to do instead. When you do this, it's important to validate how your child feels, too. For example, you might say, "I know that you're excited to talk about this, and that's not a bad thing! When other people talk, let them finish, and then you can say what's on your mind. That will make them feel good!" 

Remember that feelings of shame are common for those with ADHD and that it is crucial to highlight the positives. Reward positive behavior, even if it is verbally and through a simple statement like "great job" or "that was nice of you." If your child has siblings, there will most likely be plenty of opportunities to practice things like sharing, apologizing, and waiting for each other's turn as well. Be careful not to shame or single your child with ADHD out. 

In addition to opportunities to practice that arise organically, take the time to teach your child skills specific to the things they struggle with. For example, how to approach new people politely, regulate emotions, show that they're listening, or have conversations with equal give and take. If specific ADHD symptoms (e.g., forgetfulness, blurting) are a concern, you may talk about it with your child and help them find solutions.

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Create Opportunities for Friendship

One way to improve social skills in kids with ADHD is to create opportunities for friendship. For kids who want friends but have found it tough to connect with others, this can be particularly vital. Here are some options:

• Get your ADHD child involved with sports or active hobbies. Active hobbies can be an excellent outlet for kids with ADHD and promote interaction with other children. Whether it's dance, gymnastics, soccer, or something else, most sports and active hobbies are relatively social. 
• Sign them up for other interesting clubs, classes, or activities. Choose clubs, classes, or activities that relate to your child's interests and sign them up to help them bond with other kids who enjoy the same things.
• Find a space designed for children with ADHD. Day camps for kids with ADHD, for example, allow children to meet others who live with the same thing. 

It can definitely be tough to get your child involved at first, but it can be highly beneficial in the long run. As with anything, adjustment can take time. Pick an activity that your child truly likes, or let them try out different activities and then choose which one(s) to stick with.

Talk to Your Child's Teachers

It's important for parents to talk with their child's teachers about ADHD, as it can impact virtually every part of school. This includes everything from learning and classroom behavior to socializing with others. Together, you can discuss the specific concern you have related to your child's social skills and collaborate to find solutions. This could be particularly vital if school poses marked social challenges or causes substantial distress for your child.

You don't need to wait for your next parent-teacher conference. Ask your child's teacher, or teachers, if you can make an appointment to speak with them for around 10-15 minutes. This way, they'll be able to dedicate their attention to you in a way they may not be able to if you were to stop in after class or call without setting aside the time in advance. It also shows respect for the teacher. 

Organize Play Dates

Organize play dates for your child or help them do so. Be mindful of the "when and where," so to speak. Try to set short play dates up, at least to start, that last for around two hours or less. This can prevent tantrums or overwhelm. If your child is old enough to ask other kids to hang out themselves, this is a fantastic opportunity to teach them how to make a phone call and ask. 

If your child continues to face challenges with social skills, social skills training, therapy, and continued practice at home are viable options.

Takeaway

Research suggests that kids with ADHD are more prone to various social problems. However, it is possible to help kids with ADHD improve their social skills. If your child needs additional help, social skills training, continued practice, and other relevant forms of support can be valuable.