Children with ADHD might get too silly or too intense when playing with other children. They may interrupt others, want to dominate games and conversations, have difficulty taking turns, or get overly emotional during a fight with friends. Other children may make fun of them because they often talk too much, react dramatically, or misread social cues.
Because of this, kids with ADHD may have a hard time making and keeping friends. Or they may often feel left out during group activities. If you can relate, know that many kids with ADHD and their families experience social skills challenges. But with the right support, tools, and patience, your child can build strong, lasting relationships.
Why Kids with ADHD Struggle Socially
Social interaction requires many social skills, such as listening, taking turns, managing emotions, reading nonverbal cues, etc. These skills help us communicate effectively, follow social norms, and build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships.
For children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, managing these complex social skills can be challenging, and several things can get in the way of smooth interactions:
Inattention: Kids with ADHD might zone out during conversations, become easily distracted during play, or miss social cues like tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language.
Impulsivity: If your child has ADHD, they may act without thinking about others’ feelings. Impulsivity can make it difficult to wait their turn, stay quiet, or fully consider things before speaking. They may interrupt others or blurt out answers because they are too impatient to express their opinion.
Hyperactivity: Children with ADHD have excessive energy. Their constant talking or movement can sometimes be too much for other kids to handle.
Emotional sensitivity: ADHD can make emotional regulation challenging. A child with ADHD can easily feel overwhelmed, so any rejection or a small disagreement can lead to outbursts or withdrawal.
These challenges can be frustrating and isolating, often leading others to unfairly label children with ADHD as disrespectful or poorly behaved. But these behaviors are just the ways the ADHD brain works. However, because of this, many children with ADHD struggle with shame, insecurity, and low self-esteem.
How to Help Your Child Build Healthy Social Skills
Social skills are something we all learn. Here are a few things you can do to help your child feel more confident around others.
Break Social Skills Into Manageable Parts
- Teach them how to read non-verbal cues like facial expressions and tone
- Encourage them to wait their turn in conversations and games
- Remind them to apologize after making a mistake
- Encourage them to share with others
- Help them manage frustration during disagreements
- Encourage them to respect others’ personal space
Model Social Behaviors
The best way to teach your child these behaviors is through example, by describing your own behaviors. For instance, say, “I waited my turn to speak because they were still talking” or “When he shared something that was bothering him, I looked at him and said, ‘Oh no, that’s so upsetting!’ to show I was listening.”
Teach Emotional Vocabulary and Emotional Regulation
An emotional vocabulary includes the words we use to describe our feelings and experiences. Kids with ADHD may struggle to identify, understand, or express their emotions clearly, which can make everyday situations feel overwhelming or confusing.
Teaching your child to recognize and express their emotions is essential for building social skills. One way to start is by helping them notice when their body is becoming dysregulated—like feeling tense, fidgety, or overwhelmed—and offering tools that can help, such as taking deep breaths, using sensory breaks, or stepping away for a moment of quiet.
Practice Through Play
Another great way to teach social skills is through play. Use role-playing games to teach your child how to greet others, join a group, read non-verbal communication, or handle teasing.
Get the Right Support with Josi Health
Social challenges are often linked to underlying ADHD symptoms, and once you understand the why, you can tailor support to meet their needs. At Josi Health, we offer ADHD evaluations that help explain your child’s behaviors and open the door to support that fits.
Reach out today to schedule an ADHD assessment or learn more about how we can support you and your child.
References
Cardillo, R., Crisci, G., Seregni, S., & Mammarella, I. C. (2023). Social perception in children and adolescents with ADHD: The role of higher-order cognitive skills. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 135, 104440. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891422223000185#sec0090
Haza, B., Gosling, C. J., Ciminaghi, F., Conty, L., & Pinabiaux, C. (2024). Research Review: Social cognition and everyday social skills in children and adolescents with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta‐analysis of case–control studies. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 65(9), 1245–1254. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38860431/
Wexelblatt, R. (2025, May 12). Social skills for kids with ADHD: Friendship strategies that work. ADDitude Magazine. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.additudemag.com/social-skills-for-kids-friendships-adhd/?srsltid=AfmBOorp6dfW1jWZuoFmI53FfR3zfMw9oC7ybA7vgh3dSQVSjQ0SjKe2