HealthWise KnowledgeBase
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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference February 2, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference 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 Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
