| Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder | | | | and build on it! Many children with ADHD |
| (ADHD) can affect a child in many | | | | also do better in small groups of people |
| different ways. Most people know that | | | | rather than large groups. |
| ADHD can cause children to struggle with | | | | For example, an art class of 8 students |
| things like sitting still, being quiet, | | | | that meets every Wednesday at 3 p.m. may |
| paying attention, and staying organized. | | | | suit a child with ADHD better than a |
| But ADHD also can make it hard for | | | | soccer team of 20 people that practices |
| children to make friends. | | | | on both Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Friday at |
| In a classroom of 30 children, it is | | | | 3 p.m. and holds games on random |
| likely that at least 2 students are | | | | weekends. Find an activity the child |
| affected by ADHD. Exactly how ADHD adds | | | | really likes and support her efforts. |
| to social problems is not understood | | | | Coach your child about the social |
| fully, but children with ADHD often have | | | | settings he might face, and help him |
| trouble with simple social interactions | | | | come up with ideas about what to do. For |
| and struggle to follow social cues. | | | | example, if he finds himself sitting |
| Children with ADHD are half as likely to | | | | alone on the bus, help him practice |
| have many good friends and are less | | | | asking, "May I sit here?" Even though it |
| likely to play with a group of friends, | | | | may feel uncomfortable, roleplay these |
| compared to children without ADHD. | | | | scenes so that your child starts to feel |
| Having good friends adds to children's | | | | more confident in social settings. Also |
| happiness and impacts their mental | | | | talk about how to handle positive and |
| health and development. In some cases, | | | | negative outcomes. It's not easy to |
| children with peer problems may be at | | | | prepare your child to respond to |
| higher risk for anxiety, behavioral and | | | | rejection, but learning to cope when |
| mood disorders, substance abuse, and | | | | things don't go his way is an important |
| delinquency as teenagers. | | | | social skill. |
| Having ADHD does not mean children | | | | Help build your child's self-esteem. |
| always have poor relationships with | | | | It's easy for kids with ADHD to feel |
| their peers. Parents and caring adults | | | | like they're always in trouble and that |
| often can help children with ADHD to | | | | no one-not even Mom or Dad-likes them. |
| make friends. Here are a few ways to | | | | Let your child know that-in addition to |
| help: | | | | loving her-you like her. That will help |
| Keep in regular contact with the adults | | | | her feel likeable and may make it easier |
| who are involved in the lives of | | | | to share her wonderful traits with |
| children with ADHD. These adults include | | | | others. |
| teachers, school counselors, | | | | Look for a social skills group geared |
| after-school activity leaders, health | | | | toward children with ADHD. These classes |
| care providers, and faith leaders. Keep | | | | are being offered in more and more |
| them informed about your child's | | | | communities, and they can help your |
| treatments and, when possible, ask them | | | | child learn how to act in social |
| to help your child improve his peer | | | | settings. |
| relationships. | | | | Regular, everyday activities can be |
| For example, ask the adult leaders to | | | | challenging for children with ADHD-and |
| make sure that they avoid belittling him | | | | this includes making friends. Parents |
| in front of his peers. If the adult in | | | | often want children with ADHD to direct |
| charge belittles the child, other | | | | their energy toward getting good grades |
| children may think it's okay for them to | | | | and staying out of trouble, but helping |
| belittle the child as well. | | | | kids with ADHD make friends is |
| Involve your child in activities with | | | | important, too. With help from their |
| her peers. Many children with ADHD do | | | | parents and other caring adults, |
| well with structure in their daily | | | | children with ADHD can build lasting |
| routines, so look for a class or program | | | | friendships, and in doing so, they will |
| that interests your child and that meets | | | | build their own health and happiness. |
| consistently. Find your child's interest | | | | |