The goal of this study was to gain insight into the experience of chronic peer victimization for boys with ADHD. Using an interview guide, four boys with diagnosed ADHD, aged 11 to 13 years, their parents, and their teachers were interviewed about the children's bullying experiences. Qualitative analysis of the interview data revealed that social exclusion was the most salient form of peer harassment, that the boys were perceived as being different from other children, socially isolated, and psychologically and emotionally beaten down. The pervasiveness of social exclusion and isolation led to the development of the core category of Social Exile. For these children, social skills deficits, emotional volatility, immaturity, and a lack of insight characterized being different. Being different was perceived as causing much of the ictimnization perpetrated upon the boys, which subsequently led to severe psychological and emotional distress.
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