Can Peer Relationships Support Behaviour Improvement in Comorbid ADHD–ODD Cases? 

Yes, peer relationships in ADHD and ODD can play a positive role in improving behaviour, provided those relationships are healthy and well-supported. For children with ADHD, positive peer connections can encourage better focus, cooperation, and engagement. For those with ODD, friendships that model respectful and cooperative behaviour can help reduce defiance and improve social interactions. 

The Role of Social Support 

Social support from peers can help children feel accepted and valued, which reduces frustration and boosts self-esteem. This is especially important for students with ADHD and ODD, who may have experienced rejection due to disruptive or oppositional behaviour. Positive friendships can offer encouragement to follow rules, participate in activities, and resolve conflicts constructively. 

How Peers Influence ADHD–ODD Behaviour 

For ADHD and ODD behaviour, peers can act as role models. Seeing friends manage emotions, follow classroom routines, and interact respectfully can influence a child to adopt similar behaviours. Group activities and collaborative learning tasks give children the chance to practise self-regulation, turn-taking, and problem-solving in real time. However, supervision is essential to ensure they are not influenced by peers with similarly challenging behaviours. 

In conclusion, encouraging structured peer interactions and peer relationships in ADHD and ODD such as buddy systems, social skills groups, and cooperative games can help build trust and reinforce positive habits. Over time, these relationships can contribute to better self-control, reduced defiance, and improved classroom conduct. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder. 

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.