Social Competence Treatment

Description of the Strategy

Interpersonal difficulties are considered one of the hallmark qualities of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). Children with these disorders, collectively referred to as externalizing disorders, are rated more negatively by peers on sociometric measures and are more likely to experience peer rejection. Thus, peer relationships are an important target of comprehensive treatment for externalizing disorders. For over 30 years, researchers have investigated and disseminated treatment packages targeting the social competence of children with externalizing disorders. Social competence treatments (SCT) for these children focus on teaching and reinforcing the use of adaptive social skills and social [Page 1042]problem-solving strategies during interactions with peers and adults across settings. Two broad classes of SCT ...