@luvmykids, I just found an article on ADDitude Magazine chocked full of advice on Helping your Child with Friendships, straight from parents of children with ADHD: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/6933.html

Their tips include: Play Matchmaker: Find children with similar interests and have playdates with them or participate in structured group activities (like Boy Scouts or Karate). Make friends with other parents and they will encourage their children to include your child. Teach your child what it feels like to be the other person and appropriate responses in particular situations. Encourage your child to stay in touch with friends.

Here's another article about helping ADHD kids make friends as well: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/593.html And some expert advice for preparing your child to go back to school: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/699.html

In my experience, our private counselor (could be your psych) works with my son regularly on social skills and talking through issues he has and planning a better course of action in the future. As well, we have discovered that my daughter (high anxiety, not ADHD) feels so much better about situations if we talk about what she's afraid of first and then make a plan of action for each possible problem ahead of time. She began middle school last week, not knowing what to expect, and did great. For a few weeks now we've discussed her fears and worked together to plan exactly what she would do if any of her fears came to fruition. Her anxiety level was way down on the very first day because she knew she could handle whatever might come up. These discussion may help your son as well.

Hang in there! Penny W., ADDitudemag.com & ADDConnect.com Community Moderator ADHD Momma to Luke, age 7 {a mom's view of ADHD} @ http://adhdmomma.blogspot.com

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Hi there - my heart aches for you! When my son was diagnosed I felt like his condition was my fault. I was embarrassed, I avoided taking him out because of behaviour problems and I didn't tell anyone outside of family what he had. Keeping it quiet was the worse thing I did. Nobody understood because they didn't know and yes, people can be very judgmental! I finally realised if others know, then they can understand and help. My whole extended family now know, all my friends, teachers, his sports coach and anybody who deals with my son on a regular basis. It's a weight lifted, and now since everyone can understand why my son behaves the way he does, they don't mind so much and offer to help out more. I'm in constant contact with his school and any issues are addressed straight away - this has also made it easier on my son as he understands he is a little different to everyone else, and it is not a big deal anymore. Yes, some people are still judgmental but that's their problem, not mine. And it's usually only because they don't understand. Also, my son is now 13 and is only now making -and keeping! - friends. My advice to you is embrace your son and who he is and don't worry about what others think of you and your son. It's a very long, hard road having a child with ADHD/ADD but you will both get there! Hope this helps, and please, if you want to chat or moan send me a message :)

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