This study compared the social status and self-esteem of 8 third grade children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 2 children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) alone, and 26 children without the disorders, in light of hypothesized effects of perceived negative feedback received by these children from peers. The children nominated their three most-liked and least-liked friends and filled out the Coopersmith Self-Esteem inventory which measures feelings in the home, school, and social domains. Results showed no significant differences between the groups for social status or self-esteem. The only social status variable having a significant effect on self-esteem was positive nominations. Findings suggest that some children with ADHD may focus more on positive nominations than negative nominations, which could relate to their inability to read social cues given when they act in negative ways. (Contains 27 references.) (DB)