CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder's social effect must be treated so ADHD children can avoid social isolation, a University of Virginia professor says.
"Children with ADHD often are peer-rejected, and their difficulties multiply as they grow to adulthood," said Amori Yee Mikami, assistant professor of psychology and lead researcher for a study designed to help children with ADHD become better at making friends. "There can be a spiral of failure that is partly the result of not having learned to make and keep friends as children."
Through her "Friendship Clinic," parents learn to help their children with ADHD improve social skills and develop positive behaviors, Mikami said. The clinic is an eight-week program with weekly parent training sessions, supervised play groups and "homework" assignments designed to put what parents learned into practice.
Parents learn ways to help their children play cooperatively, settle social disputes and foster relationships than can last, Mikami said.
"Making friends is a proactive process that does not come naturally to children with ADHD," Mikami said. "We really have to work closely with the parents and children to set the stage for life-long social skills."
