•  
  •  

ADHD: Social Skills Training

Topic Overview

Social skills training helps the child or adult who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) be less aggressive and impulsive, manage anger, and behave in a more socially acceptable way. Techniques include:

  • Coaching.
  • Role-playing.
  • Watching videotapes of good behavior.
  • Practicing ways to settle conflicts.

Social skills training uses specific steps and goals, such as learning how to:

  • Listen and engage in conversation.
  • Enter new group situations.
  • Give and receive praise and criticism.
  • Cope with frustration.

Social skills training is an important part of managing ADHD. Individual sessions or small group settings are both appropriate environments for learning these skills. Many school districts now offer social skills classes for students with ADHD (and other conditions), using specialized curricula.

Social skills training appears to help children, teens, and adults learn appropriate behaviors. But more study is needed, especially on the long-term effects of this type of training.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Last Revised February 2, 2012

Last Revised: February 2, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.