|
|
|
|
|
|
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Social Skill Deficits in Children with ADHD and/or Asperger Syndrome
One of the consequences of poor social skills is low self-esteem. Children
with AD/HD and/or Asperger Syndrome who are criticized by teachers and/or
parents for their inappropriate behaviors may come to perceive themselves
in a negative way. They may begin to believe that they are incapable of
ever succeeding in relationships. Studies suggest that children with predominantly
inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to low self-esteem, social
isolation and feelings of rejection. Such feelings are especially intense
for many inattentive girls. Children with ADHD who are more hyperactive and impulsive often show other types of social problems. For example, they may stand too close to another child, be verbally aggressive, or intrude inappropriately into the social interactions of other children. In contrast to inattentive children, who may be socially “neglected,” hyperactive/impulsive children are often socially “rejected” – that is, their peers may actively avoid interacting with them due to their loud, aggressive, inappropriate or immature behavior. Good relationships require good communication skills that involve the coordination of many verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Making eye contact, maintaining appropriate eye contact, regulating the volume of one’s voice, using gestures appropriately, and maintaining appropriate physical distance from others are just some of the nonverbal behaviors inherent in good communication. Inattention prevents them from attending long enough to notice and interpret facial expressions and pragmatics of language. If you are concerned about your child’s social skills and would like to know more about how we help children and their parents, contact Dr. Kara Goobic at 301-562-8448, Ext. 12.
Articles:
|
|
||||
Children
with AD/HD often have social skill deficits that contribute to difficulties
in relationships with peers and adults. Inattention and impulsivity interfere
with a child’s ability to accurately identify, imitate, and model
appropriate social behavior. For children with Asperger Syndrome, inattention
and impulsivity may or may not be present. For these children social skill
deficits define the condition. Similar to children with AD/HD, children
with Asperger experience impairments in social interaction and communication.
Children may have both AD/HD and Asperger Syndrome, or they may have
characteristics of one disorder, but not the other. 
