The Truth About Social Skills Groups for ADHD Kids

Many parents of children with ADHD face the concern of their child struggling to make or keep friends. Often, the suggestion of social skills groups arises as a potential solution. However, the effectiveness of traditional social skills groups for children with ADHD is a topic worth exploring. While social skills groups might seem like a logical solution, research suggests that office or clinic-based programs offer little benefit for children with ADHD. The core reason lies in how children with ADHD learn. They excel at learning "in the moment," making static, classroom-like settings less effective.

A Different Approach: Social Executive Function Skills

The key to helping children with ADHD thrive socially lies in a different area: social executive function skills. These are the cognitive processes we use while interacting with others, including:

• Perspective Taking: Understanding the thoughts and feelings of others, and how your actions might affect them.
• Situational Awareness ("Reading the Field"): Interpreting social cues and understanding the appropriate behavior in different settings.
• Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting your behavior and communication style based on the situation and people involved.

Why Traditional Groups Fall Short

Traditional social skills groups often focus on teaching specific skills, such as initiating conversations or taking turns. While these skills are important, they address the "what" rather than the "how." Children with ADHD may understand these concepts but struggle to put them into practice consistently due to lagging social executive function skills.

The ADHD Dude's Approach: Addressing Social Challenges in the Moment

Parents and educators play a crucial role in helping children with ADHD develop social skills. Here's what you can do:

• Focus on "Social Executive Function Skills": Move beyond generic social skills and equip your child with the cognitive tools needed to navigate social situations effectively.
• Teach in the Moment: ADHD brains thrive on immediate learning. Identify real-life situations where social challenges arise and use those moments as opportunities to teach perspective taking, situational awareness, and cognitive flexibility.
• Embrace Actionable Strategies: Instead of dwelling on a child's feelings of shame around social difficulties, equip them with practical tools they can use to connect with others.

Building Strong Social Relationships - A Long-Term Commitment

Remember, developing social executive function skills is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. It might be two steps forward and one step back at times, but with dedication, significant improvements can be achieved.

Equipping Your Child for Success

Head over to the ADHD Dude YouTube channel's Social Skills Playlist for valuable resources and strategies. Additionally, consider the Socially Smarter program from the ADHD Dude Membership Site for a comprehensive approach to helping your child build strong social connections.

Social skills are fundamental to future success, impacting a child's life far more than academics or intelligence. By focusing on social executive function skills and providing consistent support, you can empower your child with ADHD to thrive socially and build meaningful relationships.