Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
ADHD social challenges often make it difficult for individuals to manage and follow through on social plans. People with ADHD frequently struggle with time management, causing them to misjudge how much time they need or become distracted by other tasks. As a result, social commitments are either forgotten or missed entirely.
For many with ADHD, forgetfulness can be a significant factor in missing plans. Important details, like the time or location of an event, may slip through the cracks. Even when they remember the plan, planning difficulties can prevent them from taking the necessary steps to prepare, leading to last-minute cancellations or no-shows.
How It Affects Social Life
Missed commitments
ADHD social challenges often include forgetfulness and disorganisation, which lead to frequent missed commitments, causing frustration for both parties.
Struggles with time perception
People with ADHD may underestimate how long tasks will take, resulting in late arrivals or missed plans altogether due to poor time management.
Overwhelm with planning
The effort required to organise social plans can feel overwhelming, leading to avoidance or last-minute cancellations.
Understanding the reasons behind ADHD social challenges can help individuals with ADHD adopt strategies like reminders, planners, or assistance from others. These tools can make it easier to stay on top of social plans and build stronger connections with friends and family.
Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.
For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships.
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author
Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.
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.
