Social Struggles at Camp or Playdates: When to Seek More Help
- Monarch
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Summer is a time for sunshine, camps, splashy playdates, and making memories. But for some kids—especially those with ADHD or executive functioning differences—social situations can be more stressful than fun. If your child is struggling to connect with others during camp or playdates, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Or is it time to seek more help?
Let’s explore what’s typical, when it might be something more, and how challenges with ADHD and executive functioning can affect social interactions.
Social Struggles: What’s Normal and What’s Not?
Most kids hit a few bumps in the road when it comes to friendships—especially in new environments like summer camps or unfamiliar playgroups. But persistent struggles may signal that something deeper is going on.
Common, Age-Appropriate Social Hiccups:
Feeling shy or nervous in new groups
Disagreements or arguments with friends
Needing time to warm up in social settings
Difficulty sharing or taking turns (especially in younger kids)
Signs It May Be Time to Seek Help:
Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts during or after social events
Difficulty making or keeping friends despite wanting to
Always being “left out” or rejected by peers
Aggressive behavior (hitting, yelling) during group play
Anxious avoidance of playdates, group activities, or camp
Seeming unaware of social cues (e.g., talking too much, not noticing when others are annoyed)
If these issues come up often—not just once or twice—they may be signs of underlying social or emotional differences that could benefit from support.
The ADHD and Executive Functioning Connection
Children with ADHD or executive functioning differences often struggle socially—not because they don’t want friends, but because their brains are wired differently when it comes to attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
Here’s how that can play out:
1. Impulsivity
Kids may interrupt, talk too much, or act without thinking—leading to peer rejection or frustration during group games.
2. Emotional Dysregulation
Quick tempers, overreactions, or difficulty calming down can make social settings feel overwhelming and unpredictable.
3. Trouble Reading Social Cues
Children with executive functioning challenges may miss body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions that signal how others feel.
4. Difficulty with Flexibility and Transitions
If a game changes rules or a plan shifts, some kids have a hard time adapting. This can lead to frustration or refusal to participate.
5. Poor Working Memory
Kids may forget the rules of a game, lose track of the conversation, or struggle to remember what a friend just said—making it hard to stay engaged.
Real-Life Example: “It’s Not That He Doesn’t Want Friends…”
Take 9-year-old Liam. He wants to make friends at summer camp, but he often ends up playing alone. He tends to interrupt during group games, doesn’t notice when other kids are annoyed, and has trouble following through on multi-step activities. His heart is in the right place—but socially, he’s always a few beats off.
This is a common story among kids with ADHD or executive functioning differences. The good news? With the right support, kids like Liam can build strong social skills and meaningful friendships.
Social Struggles: When—and How—to Seek Help
If your child is struggling socially, here are some steps you can take:
1. Talk to Teachers or Camp Counselors
They can provide insight about how your child interacts with peers in group settings.
2. Schedule a Mental Health or Psychoeducational Evaluation
A psychologist can assess for ADHD, autism spectrum traits, anxiety, or other differences that may impact social functioning.
3. Try a Social Skills Group
These small, therapist-led groups help children practice things like turn-taking, conversation starters, and managing frustration.
4. Consider Executive Function Coaching
For older kids, coaching can help build planning, flexibility, and self-awareness—skills that support better peer interactions.
5. Don’t Wait Too Long
Early support can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and long-term social-emotional development.
Friendships are a big part of growing up—but for some kids, especially those with ADHD or executive functioning challenges, they don’t come easily. If summer is bringing social struggles to the surface, trust your instincts. You don’t have to figure it out alone. With understanding, support, and sometimes professional guidance, your child can learn the tools to connect, belong, and thrive.
ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders
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