Peer relations of children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder

Children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present numerous problems associated with deficits in attentional and behavioral control. Unfortunately, many of these children also experience seriously disturbed peer relations. They have few, if any, friends, and are considered intrusive, boisterous, and annoying playmates. As a consequence, children with ADHD are at great risk for being rejected by their peers. Explanations for these interpersonal problems are explored, and potentially relevant social skills training programs are presented. Multimodal programs that rely on parent training, school‐based anger‐control, and peer coaching by popular classmates may hold promise for these unsettling difficulties.