ADHD Social Skills Boys Group
Weekly group therapy helping boys with ADHD develop friendships and social confidence
Enroll Your SonWhy Social Skills Matter for Boys with ADHD
Boys with ADHD often struggle to make and keep friends. Their impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional intensity, and difficulty reading social cues can lead to rejection, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Traditional social situations overwhelm them, and they don't understand why other kids don't want to play with them.
Our ADHD Social Skills Boys Group provides a safe, structured environment where boys with ADHD can practice social skills, learn to regulate emotions, make genuine friendships with peers who "get it," and build the confidence they need to succeed socially.
Small Groups
6-8 boys per group for individual attention
Weekly Meetings
60-75 minute sessions every week
Age-Matched
Groups for ages 7-10 and 11-14
Fun & Engaging
Games, activities, not boring lessons
Social Challenges Boys with ADHD Face
Does your son struggle with these issues?
Difficulty Making Friends
- Doesn't know how to start conversations or join play
- Comes on too strong or intense with new kids
- Struggles to find common ground with peers
- Often plays alone at recess or lunch
- Gets rejected when trying to join groups
- Doesn't get invited to birthday parties or playdates
Trouble Keeping Friends
- Friendships start well but fall apart quickly
- Gets in conflicts due to bossiness or not sharing
- Doesn't respect others' personal space or boundaries
- Interrupts constantly or dominates conversations
- Plays too rough or doesn't notice others' discomfort
- Friends eventually stop calling or inviting him
Impulsivity & Emotional Outbursts
- Blurts out inappropriate comments
- Can't handle losing games or being wrong
- Overreacts to teasing or perceived slights
- Quick to anger, yelling, or physical aggression
- Difficulty calming down once upset
- Labeled as "problem kid" or "too much"
Missing Social Cues
- Doesn't notice when others are bored or annoyed
- Misses facial expressions and body language
- Doesn't understand sarcasm or jokes
- Keeps talking about own interests without noticing disinterest
- Doesn't recognize when it's time to leave or stop
- Confused about why others react negatively
Peer Rejection & Bullying
- Gets teased or excluded by other kids
- Labeled as "weird," "annoying," or "hyper"
- Becomes target for bullies
- Social media exclusion (not added to group chats)
- Sits alone at lunch or on bus
- Develops low self-esteem and social anxiety
Gaming Isolation
- Spends all free time gaming alone
- Prefers online gaming to real-life friends
- Has difficulty with in-person social interactions
- Gaming becomes only way to feel successful socially
- Parents worry about isolation and screen time
- Missing out on crucial social development
Social Skills We Teach
Our evidence-based curriculum covers all crucial social competencies
Conversation Skills
- Starting conversations with peers (greetings, openers, finding common interests)
- Maintaining conversations (asking questions, taking turns, staying on topic)
- Active listening and showing interest in others
- Ending conversations appropriately
- Managing tendency to interrupt or dominate
- Reading signals when someone wants to talk or end conversation
Friendship Initiation
- How to approach and join peer groups
- Reading the room before entering play
- Asking to join games politely
- Finding kids with shared interests
- Making plans for playdates
- Following up and maintaining contact
Cooperative Play & Teamwork
- Taking turns fairly
- Sharing toys, materials, and attention
- Being a good sport (winning and losing gracefully)
- Compromise and negotiation
- Following game rules even when they don't like them
- Being a team player, not always the leader
Emotion Regulation
- Recognizing and naming their own emotions
- Calming strategies when angry or frustrated
- Managing disappointment and rejection
- Expressing feelings with words instead of aggression
- Taking space before reacting impulsively
- Recovering quickly from emotional upsets
Reading Social Cues
- Recognizing facial expressions and emotions
- Understanding body language and personal space
- Detecting tone of voice and sarcasm
- Noticing when someone is uncomfortable or wants to leave
- Recognizing signs of boredom or disinterest
- Reading group dynamics and social hierarchies
Conflict Resolution
- Handling disagreements without aggression
- Using "I" statements to express concerns
- Apologizing genuinely and making amends
- Accepting apologies and forgiving
- Walking away from fights
- Getting adult help when needed
Handling Teasing & Bullying
- Recognizing different types of teasing
- Responding to teasing without escalating
- Assertiveness skills (standing up without aggression)
- When and how to get adult help
- Not becoming a bully themselves
- Supporting other kids who are bullied
Self-Awareness & Empathy
- Understanding their own ADHD and how it affects others
- Recognizing their strengths and challenges
- Perspective-taking (seeing others' viewpoints)
- Empathy for others' feelings
- Self-advocacy (explaining their needs)
- Building positive self-image despite ADHD
How the Group Works
Our structured, engaging format maximizes learning and fun
Typical 75-Minute Session Structure:
Check-In Circle
Each boy shares a high and low from their week. Practice taking turns, active listening, and showing interest in others.
Skill Lesson
Brief teaching of today's social skill using examples, role-plays, and discussion. Boys learn the "why" behind social rules.
Game/Activity Practice
Fun games, sports, or activities where boys practice skills in action. Therapist coaches in real-time and provides feedback.
Processing & Reflection
Discuss what went well, challenges faced, and what they learned. Identify one skill to practice at home/school this week.
Parent Update
Brief parent check-in to share observations and provide practice assignments for the week ahead.
What Makes Our Group Effective
ADHD-Specialized
Designed specifically for boys with ADHD. We understand their brains and adapt accordingly.
Movement-Based
Lots of physical activity, not sitting and talking. Boys learn through doing.
Positive Reinforcement
Point systems, rewards, and immediate positive feedback for using skills.
Real-Time Coaching
Therapist intervenes in the moment to shape behavior and reinforce skills during activities.
Peer Support
Boys develop genuine friendships with others who understand ADHD challenges.
Home Practice
Weekly assignments help boys transfer skills from group to real-world settings.
Age Groups Offered
Younger Boys Group (Ages 7-10)
Elementary school boys
Focus Areas:
- Basic friendship skills (sharing, taking turns, playing fairly)
- Managing emotions during games and activities
- Following game rules and being a good sport
- Recognizing and naming feelings
- Simple conflict resolution
- Playground and recess social skills
Activities:
Board games, active group games (tag, soccer), cooperative building challenges, art projects, storytelling
Older Boys Group (Ages 11-14)
Middle school boys
Focus Areas:
- More complex conversation skills and social nuances
- Reading subtle social cues and sarcasm
- Navigating peer pressure and social hierarchies
- Handling social media and texting etiquette
- Dealing with teasing and bullying assertively
- Building deeper friendships and trust
Activities:
Sports, video gaming (with social focus), group challenges, role-plays of real social situations, problem-solving discussions
Parent Involvement & Support
Parents are crucial partners in their son's social skill development
Weekly Brief Updates
5-minute check-in after each session to share what was covered, how your son did, and practice assignment for the week.
Monthly Parent Group
Optional parent education and support group to learn strategies for supporting social skills at home and advocating at school.
Home Practice Assignments
Simple, specific assignments each week to practice skills in real-world settings. Parent guidance provided for coaching at home.
Progress Reports
Quarterly written progress reports documenting skill development, areas of growth, and recommended next steps.
Benefits Boys Experience
Make Real Friends
Develop genuine friendships with boys who understand them and accept their ADHD
Social Confidence
Feel more confident approaching peers, joining activities, and being themselves socially
Better Emotional Control
Manage frustration, anger, and disappointment without losing friendships
Read Social Cues
Understand what others are feeling and adjust behavior accordingly
Handle Conflict
Resolve disagreements without aggression and repair friendships after conflicts
Positive Self-Image
Feel good about themselves and see ADHD as difference, not defect
Group Details & Enrollment
Schedule
When: Weekly sessions during school year (September-June)
Day/Time: After school hours (varies by group)
Duration: 75 minutes per session
Commitment: Full school year or semester minimum
Group Size
Size: 6-8 boys per group
Leaders: Licensed therapist + co-leader
Ratio: 1:4 adult-to-child ratio
Requirements
Diagnosis: ADHD diagnosis required
Age: Must fit age group (7-10 or 11-14)
Screening: Brief intake meeting required
Commitment: Regular attendance essential
Cost & Insurance
Fee: Per-session rate (contact for pricing)
Insurance: Many plans cover group therapy
Superbills: Provided for reimbursement
Scholarships: Limited spots available
How to Enroll
- Contact us to express interest and check availability
- Complete intake paperwork including ADHD documentation
- Attend screening meeting with therapist (parent + child, 30 min)
- Receive placement in age-appropriate group
- Start group and begin building social skills!
Parent FAQs
Does my son need to be on ADHD medication to participate?
Medication is not required but is often helpful. Boys who are on medication tend to get more out of the group because they can focus better and regulate impulses more easily.
What if my son is shy or anxious about joining?
Many boys feel nervous initially. We do a warm introduction during screening, start with low-pressure activities, and let him participate at his own pace. Most boys warm up within 2-3 sessions.
Will kids tease him for being in a "special" group?
We use discreet names (like "Friendship Club") and most peers don't know. Boys in the group feel relieved to be with others who understand ADHD.
How long until we see improvement?
Most parents notice changes within 6-8 weeks. However, full skill development takes a full school year of consistent participation.
What if he has behavior problems in the group?
We expect some ADHD behaviors! We use positive behavior management and coach in the moment. If severe behaviors prevent participation, we'll work with you on individual support first.
Give Your Son the Gift of Friendship
Help him build social skills and confidence that will last a lifetime