The Impact of Hyperactivity on Children’s Social Skills

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent emotional and behavioural disorder that can affect the scholastic and social functioning of school-age children. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsiveness and motor activity. Children with attention problems create a special population with diverse needs within an educational setting. Although there are a myriad of problems associated with children identified as having ADHD, social skill deficits are one concern of many parents and school personnel. Topics addressed in the literature review include the definition and common interventions regarding ADHD, as well as the definition of social skills and social skill assessment and intervention programs. Also addressed is how ADHD is linked to social skill deficits in school-age children.