Treating Social Skills Deficits in AD/HD: Behavioural Contributions and Future Challenges

The Effect of a Multi-Component Consultation Intervention on the Pragmatic Language Skills of Students with Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…Intervention is critical for these children as their social setbacks tend to be "durable, recurrent, and often escalating" (Whalen & Henker, 1985, p. 448), and unfortunately often increase as opposed to improve over time. Furthermore, negative peer relationships have been found to be predictive of problems in other domains of life, including academic and occupational achievement (Campbell & Paulauskas, 1979;Løkke, 2011;Whalen & Henker, 1985).…”

“…Due to difficulties adapting to social communication behavior norms, many of these children have significant trouble forming friendships and gaining peer acceptance (Erhardt & Hinshaw, 1994;Leonard, 2009;Leonard et al, 2011;Løkke, 2011). Intervention is critical for these children as their social setbacks tend to be "durable, recurrent, and often escalating" (Whalen & Henker, 1985, p. 448), and unfortunately often increase as opposed to improve over time.…”

“…Prevalent abnormalities in the social behavior of children with ADHD are a cause of concern for many caregivers and adults involved with these children (Barkley, 1981;Campbell & Paulauskas, 1979;Erhardt & Hinshaw, 1994;Leonard et al, 2011;Løkke, 2011;Timler, 2014;Walen & Henker, 1985). In fact, parents and teachers of children with ADHD most frequently report social troubles as a major behavior issue (Løkke, 2011;Timler 2014;Walen & Henker, 1985).…”

“…In fact, parents and teachers of children with ADHD most frequently report social troubles as a major behavior issue (Løkke, 2011;Timler 2014;Walen & Henker, 1985). A study conducted by Barkley (1981) found that 81% of parents with hyperactive children reported their child as having significant deficits in situations involving play with other children.…”

“…Although a diagnosis of ADHD is based on overt behavioral characteristics, there is a growing consensus that the behavior symptomatology of ADHD is the result of an underlying neurological impairment related to dysfunctional regulation of dopamine in the brain (Johansen et al, 2009;Leonard et al, 2011;Løkke, 2011;Sonuga-Barke, 2005;Tannock & Schachar, 1996). Dopamine is involved in long term, short term, and working memory.…”