Are Peer Mentorship Programs Helpful for Managing ADHD–ODD Behaviours? 

Yes, peer mentorship for ADHD and ODD can be a valuable tool for helping children manage their behaviours. Peer mentorship programs provide children with ADHD and ODD the opportunity to learn from others who can model positive behaviours, offer emotional support, and teach social skills in a non-threatening environment. These programs foster connection and help children improve their social interactions, reducing both impulsivity and oppositional behaviours. 

How Peer Mentorship Helps with ADHD Support 

For children with ADHD, ADHD support through peer mentorship can help them develop better social skills and manage impulsivity. Older or more socially adept peers can model appropriate behaviour, such as listening, taking turns, and staying on task. Peer mentors can also provide guidance in dealing with frustration or distractions, helping children learn techniques to focus and control their impulses in social situations. 

Reducing ODD Behaviour through Peer Interaction 

ODD behaviour often involves defiance, resistance to authority, and social conflict. In a peer mentorship setting, children with ODD are encouraged to practise respectful communication and conflict resolution. Mentors can provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and work through conflicts in a positive, non-confrontational way. By learning how to manage disagreements, peer mentorship for ADHD and ODD can reduce aggressive or oppositional reactions in other settings. 

In conclusion, peer programs can help children develop stronger, more positive relationships with others. These interactions encourage empathy, boost self-esteem, and provide children with strategies to handle frustration, improving their overall social behaviour. 

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.