Absence of Changes in Social Functioning as Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Mature

Objective: Previous research has demonstrated that children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suffer from deficits in social functioning. Less is known about the development of social functioning during the maturation of ADHD children. The purpose of the present study was to assess differences in objective and behavioral measures of social functioning between children and adolescents. Method: Analyses were performed on data collected from a private practice neuropsychological clinic. The sample consisted of 54 children and adolescents with a primary diagnosis of ADHD according to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV-TR separated into two age groups: Group 1, 6-8-year old (n = 22, mean = 7.28, SD = 0.729) and Group 2, 12-15-year old (n = 22, mean = 12.91, SD = 1.231). Objective measures of social function were defined by scores on the Affect Recognition and Theory of Mind subtests in a Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-II (NEPSY-II). Behavioral measures of social functioning were defined by the Social Problems t-scores from the Achenbach Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). Results: Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the two groups. There were no significant differences in either the objective or behavioral measures of social functioning. Conclusion: Results indicate as ADHD children mature into adolescence their ability to perceive affect cues, comprehend outside perspectives, and appreciate the social problems observed by others does not change significantly. Clinically used objective social perception measures appear consistent with parent behavioral ratings of social behavior. These data also suggest that interventions in aiding social functioning can be an effective clinical application independent of age.