Social Skills and Relationships

One of the many areas that challenges adults with AD/HD is relationships, whether they be with family members, friends, or co-workers. This guide contains a listing of books, articles, and other resources which may be helpful for adults with AD/HD.

Books

What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don't? Social Skills Help for Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
By Michele Novotni. Published by Specialty Press, 1999.
This book describes social fundamentals that adults with AD/HD may not be aware of, and how social interactions may be improved. Areas discussed include manner and etiquette, non-verbal cues, and interpersonal relations.
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Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
By Kevin R. Murphy. Published by Hyperion, 1995.
This book provides guidelines and how adults with AD/HD can manage symptoms of the disorder. Included are strategies on improving communication skills, as well as managing workplace and personal relationships.
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You, Your Relationship, and Your ADD: A Workbook
By Michael T. Bell. Published by New Harbinger Publications, 2002.
This book provides insightful advice for dealing with AD/HD within marriages, partnerships, and other relationships. Many exercises are provided to assist couples with common relationship difficulties that may stem from AD/HD.
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Videos and Other Media

Marriage and AD/HD: A Couple's Survival Guide
Available on CD/tape, this presentation was given by Arthur L. Robin, Ph. D. at CHADD's 2003 conference. This program provides couples and spouses with AD/HD suggestions for addressing common problems in partnerships.
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Why Do I Drive People Crazy?
Available on CD/tape, this presentation was given by Joan K. Teach, Ph. D. at CHADD's 2003 conference. This program allows adults with AD/HD to explore how their behavior is perceived by others, and how they can use this awareness to improve their ability to make and maintain friends.
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Women with AD/HD: Are You Friendship Challenged? Learning to Stay Connected Without Becoming Overwhelmed
Available on DVD/VHS or CD/tape, this presentation was given by Sari Solden, M. S. at CHADD's 2003 conference. This program for women with AD/HD explains the challenges of friendship and suggests strategies for developing and maintaining friendships.
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Other CHADD/NRC Resources

Social Skills in Adults with AD/HD
This installment in the "What We Know" series of information sheet explains how social and interpersonal relationships are impacted by AD/HD. It also suggests ways in which adults with AD/HD can assess and improve their own social skills.

CHADD's bi-monthly magazine, Attention!, often includes articles focused on improving social skills for adults with AD/HD. The magazine is included with CHADD membership; more information can be found in the membership page. Some recent articles about AD/HD in preschool children are listed below.

"AD/HD and Challenges of Early Adulthood" By Thomas E. Brown. Attention! (February 2006), Volume 13, Number 1, pages 32-34; 36-38.

"Navigating the College Social Scene" By Stephen Rothenberg. Attention! (October 2003), Volume 10, Number 2, pages 20-23.

"Dealing with the Impact of AD/HD on Marriage" By Michael T. Bell. Attention! (April 2003), Volume 9, Number 5, pages 18-23.

Users may also search through the NRC Library for additional books, articles, and other resources. Resources relating to social skills can be found by selecting "Social Skills" from the "Browse by Subject Keyword" drop-down menu on the Advanced Search page.