Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly seen in children and adults, affecting their attention, behavior control, and emotional regulation. Individuals with ADHD often face the following challenges in social settings:

1. Inattention: Difficulty focusing on conversations, easily distracted, or missing important social cues, such as tone of voice or body language, leading to misunderstandings or inappropriate responses.
2. Impulsive Behavior: Individuals with ADHD may interrupt others, speak out of turn, or act without thinking, which can be perceived as rude or lacking empathy.
3. Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Experiencing intense emotional fluctuations, becoming easily frustrated or angry over minor issues, which can hinder the ability to build stable relationships.
4. Difficulty Reading Social Cues: Struggling to interpret nonverbal signals, such as facial expressions or tone changes, which may make them seem out of place in group settings.
5. Interpersonal Challenges: Due to impulsive behavior or inattention, individuals with ADHD may find it hard to maintain long-term friendships or may be misunderstood as "disruptive" or "unfocused" in school or work environments.

These challenges can lead to frustration in social situations, potentially causing anxiety or low self-esteem. Therefore, adopting effective strategies to improve social skills is crucial.

Here are some practical strategies to help individuals with ADHD enhance their social skills and boost confidence:

• Participate in social skills training programs or groups, such as the "ADHD Children's Emotional and Social Group" offered by the Hong Kong Association for AD/HD, which uses play therapy and LEGO®-based activities to improve emotional expression and positive communication.
• Practice "active listening," such as repeating or paraphrasing what others say or asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding.