Social Skills Interventions for Co-occurring ADHD and Autism

Plain-language summary

Research focusing specifically on interventions for social skills in individuals with both ADHD and autism is still developing. However, studies looking at broader neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, suggest that creative arts therapies like music and art therapy may offer benefits in improving social skills. It's important to note that direct evidence for the combined condition is limited, and more research is needed.

Key findings

• Art therapy and music therapy show promise as interventions for improving social skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD, though more specific research on the co-occurring conditions is needed.
• Music therapy has been explored for its benefits in children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental challenges, which often include social skill difficulties.
• Understanding social cognition in both autism and ADHD is crucial for developing effective interventions, as these conditions uniquely impact social interactions.
• The diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with co-occurring autism and ADHD are complex, highlighting the need for tailored approaches that address both conditions to improve social outcomes.

Studies cited (3)

1. Interventions through Art Therapy and Music Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Language Disorders, and Learning Disabilities in Pediatric-Aged Children: A Systematic Review — Martínez-Vérez V, Gil-Ruíz P, Domínguez-Lloria S (2024, Children (Basel, Switzerland), systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.3390/children11060706 PMCID: PMC11201401

2. Social cognition in autism and ADHD — Bölte S (2025, Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106022

3. Diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with autism and ADHD — Hatch B, Kadlaskar G, Miller M (2023, Psychology in the schools, other)

   DOI: 10.1002/pits.22808 PMCID: PMC10092654