Core signal
What: A Cochrane systematic review of 25 RCTs (2,690 participants) examined Social Skills Training (SST) programs that teach social interaction, conversation skills, and emotional recognition.
PRO Summary
How to read this card
Evidence scope
Who: Children and adolescents aged 5–18 with ADHD participating in group or individual SST programs.
Use principle
Result: Improvements in social competence and ADHD symptoms were reported, though heterogeneity across studies resulted in wide confidence intervals.
Evidence Reading
What to check when interpreting the evidence
Study typeType: SystematicReview
PopulationPopulation: Children and adolescents aged 5–18 with ADHD (2,690 participants)
EvidenceEvidence: Source (Cochrane CD008223)
UseImprovements in social competence and ADHD symptoms were reported, though heterogeneity across studies resulted in wide confidence intervals.
Consultation Prep
Turn the card into questions before consultation
If your child struggles with peer interactions, ask a specialist about small-group SST programs in your area.
Record this as a question or context point before professional consultation.
Practice conversation skills at home through role-playing and scenario rehearsal.
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SST programs that include a parent component have shown greater effectiveness.
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Limits
PRO use principles
Evidence scope
SST program content, duration, and format varied considerably across studies. Evidence for whether skills generalize to everyday peer interactions remains limited.
Hold individual application
Do not transfer group-level findings directly to an individual case without considering family, school, comorbidity, and life context.
Use principle
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a specialist for SST programs suitable for your child.
Professional consultation
ADHD assessment and support planning should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Scope Note
Notice and limits
SST program content, duration, and format varied considerably across studies. Evidence for whether skills generalize to everyday peer interactions remains limited.
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a specialist for SST programs suitable for your child.