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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
can ritalin (or other med) help with social skills
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
can ritalin (or other med) help with social skills
by ilovemyboys2, May 01, 2001 12:00AM
My 6.5 year old son had been diagnosed with ADD - inattentive type. Academically, he is doing very well as he is in a private school with a very small teacher to pupil ratio. He is not on any medication. His main problem is social skills.
2 Problems: (1) He plays with children pretty well in a structured and controlled group situation but he does not 'connect' one on one with a child.
(2) He does not seem to understand the appropriate way to be with a child. ie he has silly behavior, he does not read the other child's cues or facial expressions, etc His behavior is driving other children away. He is seen as bothering or bugging them.
We have him enrolled in social skills camps and work with him by pointing out what is appropriate, etc. We are concerned that he will continue to be shunned by other children.
Could medication help with this type of problem. My son is beginning to be quite upset by it.
thanks so much
2 Problems: (1) He plays with children pretty well in a structured and controlled group situation but he does not 'connect' one on one with a child.
(2) He does not seem to understand the appropriate way to be with a child. ie he has silly behavior, he does not read the other child's cues or facial expressions, etc His behavior is driving other children away. He is seen as bothering or bugging them.
We have him enrolled in social skills camps and work with him by pointing out what is appropriate, etc. We are concerned that he will continue to be shunned by other children.
Could medication help with this type of problem. My son is beginning to be quite upset by it.
thanks so much
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., May 02, 2001 12:00AM
, May 02, 2001 12:00AM
I don't think you'll see much improvement in social skills with stimulant medication. Such medication can be an indirect help when children are hyperactive and disorganized, and thus a nuisance, when with other children. But your son's problems have more to do with social cues, picking them up and responding to them. You might keep your eyes out for a social skills therapy group. These can be quite useful. And be sure to keep him 'in the mix' - only with practice and guidance will the skills improve.
