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Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) |
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have many effects on a
child's development. It can make childhood friendships, or peer relationships, very
difficult. These relationships contribute to children's immediate happiness
and may be very important to their long-term development.
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Research suggests that children with
difficulty in their peer relationships, for example, being rejected by peers or not
having a close friends. In some cases, children with peer problems
may also be at higher risk for anxiety,
behavioral and mood disorders, substance abuse and delinquency as
teenagers.
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Parents of children with ADHD may be less likely to report that their child plays with groups of friends or is
involved in after-school activities, and half as likely to report that
their child has many good friends. Parents of children with ADHD may be
more than twice as likely than other parents to report that their child is
picked on at school or has trouble getting along with other children.
How does ADHD interfere
with peer relationships?
Exactly how ADHD contributes to social problems is not fully understood.
Several studies have found that children with predominantly inattentive
ADHD may be perceived as shy or withdrawn by their peers. Research
strongly indicates that aggressive behavior in children with symptoms of
impulsivity/hyperactivity may play a significant role in peer rejection.
In addition, other behavioral disorders often occur along with ADHD.
Children with ADHD and other disorders appear to face greater impairments
in their relationships with peers.
Having ADHD does not mean a person has to have
poor peer relationships.
Not everyone with ADHD has difficulty getting along with others. For those
who do, many things can be done to improve the person's relationships. The
earlier a child's difficulties with peers are noticed, the more successful
intervention may be. Although researchers have not provided definitive
answers, some things parents might consider as they help their child build
and strengthen peer relationships are:
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Recognize the importance of healthy peer
relationships for children. These relationships can be just as important
as grades to school success.
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Maintain on-going communication with people who play
important roles in your child's life (such as teachers, school counselors,
after-school activity leaders, health care providers, etc.). Keep up-dated
on your child's social development in community and school settings.
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Involve your child in activities with his or her
peers. Communicate with other parents, sports coaches and other involved
adults about any progress or problems that may develop with your child.
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Peer programs can be helpful, particularly for older
children and teenagers. Schools and communities often have such programs
available. You may want to discuss the possibility of your child's
participation with program directors and your child's care providers.
[ADHD References]
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Date: September 20, 2005
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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