Why Is Making Friends So Hard with ADHD? Social Skills & Communication Tips with Caroline Maguire

In this episode, we’re discussing important topics—social skills, friendships, and navigating communication as someone with ADHD. I’m joined by the amazing Caroline Maguire, an author, coach, TED Talk speaker, and founder of a revolutionary social emotional learning (SEL) method that helps neurodivergent individuals connect more authentically. Caroline’s insight is deeply rooted in both her personal journey and decades of professional experience supporting kids, teens, and adults with ADHD.

We unpack the real (and often painful) challenges of miscommunication, self-doubt, and finding your people when you’re neurodivergent. Caroline and I talk candidly about the paradoxes of ADHD communication, the importance of self-awareness, how we curate our friendships, and how interests can lead to connection. 

Caroline Maguire, is the founder of a revolutionary social emotional learning methodology that helps teach social skills to children, teenagers, and young adults. She holds a holds a Masters in Education degree with a concentration in SEL training and is the founder and director of The Fundamentals of ADHD Coaching for Families training curriculum at ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). She is a former coach for the Hallowell Center in Sudbury, Massachusetts. She is the author of Why Will No One Play With Me?, the winner of the Best Parenting and Family Book 2020 as awarded by American Book Fest.

Episode Highlights:

[1:08] – Introducing Caroline Maguire and her extensive background in ADHD coaching and SEL.
[2:22] – Getting personal: Why I invited Caroline to talk about the communication paradox with ADHD.
[6:26] – Caroline opens up about her ongoing self-talk journey and how it still shows up today.
[8:52] – The power of understanding your brain: Why telling your child they have ADHD matters.
[11:46] – Adult friendships and trust: How to explain your traits and connect without fear.
[18:34] – Why making friends is harder for kids and how parents can support them better.
[24:52] – The big gap in school services for ADHD students when it comes to pragmatics and speech.
[32:34] – Caroline’s personal strategy to improve self-talk and own her accomplishments.
[40:03] – Embracing authenticity and navigating the workplace with ADHD.
[43:30] – What’s next for schools? And how early neurodiversity education makes a difference.
[52:07] – Helping kids embrace who they are—even when it’s not “cool.”
[54:39] – Where to find more of Caroline’s work and wisdom.

Connect with Caroline Maguire:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolinem/ 
• Website: https://carolinemaguireauthor.com/ 
• Book: Why Will No One Play with Me?: The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive

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