Peer Functioning in Children With ADHD

This article describes what is currently known about the peer relationships of children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This topic is addressed both from the perspective of how ADHD initially contributes to problematic relationships with peers, and also from the perspective of how peers ’ reactions to these problems may serve to maintain them. Given the limited improvement typically obtained in treatment studies that use peer report measures as outcomes with ADHD samples and the well-documented predictive validity of peer reports for later adjustment, the need for more intensive interventions and novel approaches to address the peer problems of children with ADHD is emphasized. Key words ADHD; peer problems; prediction. Why are Peer Relationships Important to Development? Peer relationships are unique in that both parties involved in the relationship are of equal status. Hence, peer relationships are the primary context in which children learn cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution1— skills that are critical for effective social functionin