Anyone have success with social skills classes in middle school?

[MoonMama71]

Both my kids have different kind of social skills challenges due to their ADHD. My 9 year old son is very rigid and impulsive so even now his pandemic video game playing has possibly alienated his potential friends. But he very much craves friends and being social but doesn't have the skills so he is lonely. My daughter (11 years), on the other hand, is very rigid and blunt/rude, with little conversation skills, and very "me" centered so she'd rather get her way then make a new friend or make a current friend happy. She's sort of an island but doesn't care to get off it, but I know that is not healthy. Both do not know how to read people and can get hyper which can overwhelm other kids. It doesn't help that this has probably created some judgement by now from other moms thinking they are jerks and don't want to give them another chance. Has anyone had good results with social skills classes in terms of their ADHD kids making and keeping friends in middle school? Would you recommend group class or one-on-one therapy? I want the right balance of them feeling good about who they are but understanding how to not offend or misunderstand other kids. Would love to hear if you feel it is worth it, knowing my kids will refuse to go and think they don't need it.

[Onthemove1971]

Thanks for the message. For us we have always done individual therapy. I will say all of these symptoms are greatly helped with medication. We notice when our son takes his medication he is for the most part not that way and as soon as it wears off these symptoms come back. Have you considered medication for them?

Our son, who is 14 years old and is now a freshman n high school was in a CARE program in middle school where he had 1 teacher for English and math and study skills then has other teachers for the other subjects. They worked on peer interactions and self confidence. This was the best environment to support him.

If you can find it, a social group would be great. These issues really impact learning, while in person, not so much while on electronic platforms.

Good luck..

[anirush]

My grandson was in social skills classes all through middle school mostly because he had major behavioral issues in school. The 6th grade year I felt was a waste and I complained to the special ed teacher. It was more like they just babysat them and gave them busy work. The next year they had 2 new co-teachers and he not only liked the class but I feel got a lot out of it. They would give the kids situations and they would discuss how the child should react.

We also got his meds changed around that time so he got more stable and was able to absorb this information better.