Autism and Friendship: 8 Steps to Help Your Kid Make Friends

How Does Autism Affect Friendship?

Navigating the intricacies of friendship can be challenging for many, but it tends to be particularly complex for children with autism. The link between autism and friendship often requires careful understanding and dedicated support. “How does autism affect friendship?” you may ask. While it’s not a universal trait, most individuals on the spectrum struggle with communication and social interaction, making forging and sustaining friendships daunting.

However, being on the spectrum shouldn’t stop anyone from experiencing the joy and enrichment that friendships can bring. Even those who exhibit milder features of autism can still encounter challenges when it comes to establishing meaningful connections. Thus, it becomes crucial to spotlight this significant aspect of leading a fulfilled and happy life.

In this blog post by ABA Centers of Florida, we delve into the heart of autism and friendship. We will provide an actionable eight-step guide for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This guide aims to empower your child in developing friendships and fostering relationships with peers, effectively warding off feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Can People with Autism Have Friends?

 It is a misconception that people with autism are not interested in having friends. To answer the question “Can people with autism have friends?” we must say that their tendency toward isolation is tied to deficits in communication skills, difficulties perceiving social cues, and interpreting non-verbal language.

Children with autism may sometimes exhibit behaviors that others perceive as unusual or peculiar. For instance, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests can create barriers to social integration and heighten the risk of being targeted by bullies. Consequently, children on the spectrum are more prone to self-isolate or withdraw. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, children with autism who cultivate friendships are less likely to experience anxiety and depression in their teenage years and adulthood.

While addressing autism and friendship might demand additional effort, developing social skills in children with autism is not only possible but critical for their holistic growth and integration into society. With appropriate support, they can forge friendships and cultivate enduring relationships.

8 Steps to Help Autism and Friendship

1. Explaining Friendship to a Child with Autism: Teach your child about friendship using direct, literal language. Discuss the essence of connections, encompassing feelings, relationship importance, and the benefits of companionship. Address the topic of bullying, differentiating between genuine friends and potentially harmful relationships. Highlight the significance of empathy and consideration for others’ feelings. Reinforce that friendship is built on trust, shared joy, and mutual sympathy.
2. Use Visual Aids to Teach Non-verbal Language: Non-verbal cues, including facial expressions and body language, are vital for communication but often pose challenges in the context of autism. Visual aids can effectively explain emotions and their physical manifestations. Engage your child in activities where they identify emotions using picture cards or videos and discuss associated behaviors. This study of emotions aids in understanding non-verbal communication and recognizing feelings in others, which are critical components in navigating autism and friendship. Check out this “Visual Supports and Autism” guide by Autism Speaks to learn how to teach your child using visual aids.
3. Utilize ABA Therapy: ABA therapy can be a powerful tool in enhancing your child’s social and communication skills. Consult your child’s therapist for strategies to boost socialization and encourage friendship-building. Centers like the ABA Centers of Florida provide training, group classes, and events to facilitate social interaction within the neurodiverse community.
4. Leverage Positive Reinforcement: ABA experts employ positive reinforcement to enhance social skills in children with autism. Commending sharing behaviors, with phrases like “Great job sharing your toys,” or “You’re a wonderful friend when you share,” can bolster your child’s social aptitude and confidence, promoting such behaviors.
5. Create Opportunities to Foster Friendship: Playdates can be instrumental in nurturing autism and friendship. By inviting peers or family members to a comfortable, familiar setting such as your home, your child may feel less anxious and more focused on play. Plan engaging activities that encourage cooperative play and joint attention. While initial disinterest is common, it allows you to identify areas for an ABA therapist to address. Incorporating parallel participation into activities can facilitate bond-building, particularly among younger children.
6. Discover Autism-Friendly Spaces: In cities like Tampa, Orlando, Boca Raton, and Port Saint Lucie, sensory-friendly zones are becoming increasingly popular and frequent for neurodiverse children. These unique spaces not only cater to the sensory needs of neurodiverse children but also help autism and friendship by providing a comfortable setting for meeting peers. Such environments enhance accessibility and participation, making them ideal for promoting interaction among children with autism.
7.  Practice Makes Perfect: Boost social skills in children with autism by frequently engaging them in interactive activities. Transform each outing into a learning adventure; an ice cream run could be a chance for your child to order and pay. Encourage sharing during park playdates and teach turn-taking on swings. Museums, community centers, farms, and libraries also provide ample opportunities for interaction. Being around peers enhances your child’s learning and practice opportunities.
8. Encourage New Experiences: It’s crucial to introduce children with autism to new activities to enhance their holistic development. While nurturing existing passions boosts confidence, exploring new hobbies encourages learning and broadens interests. To incentivize participation in unfamiliar activities, offer a rewarding incentive. For instance, reading their favorite book after trying the swings for the first time is a way of rewarding a new experience. Expanding interests can enhance social interactions and strengthen friendships.

ABA Centers of Florida: Fostering Autism and Friendship with ABA Therapy

ABA therapy at ABA Centers of Florida aids neurodiverse children in understanding the importance of interpersonal connections and equips them with strategies and skills for building friendships. A key objective of our ABA therapy is to enhance social skills in children with autism, focusing on communication, healthy behaviors, community integration, and independence.

At ABA Centers of Florida, we recognize the profound impact of autism and friendship on leading a fulfilling life. Our mission is to empower neurodiverse individuals and their families with professional support and ABA therapies, promoting opportunities within the autism community, promoting autism acceptance, and enhancing family well-being.

To learn more about how we facilitate autism and friendship at ABA Centers of Florida, contact us at (772) 773-1975  or schedule a free consultation on our website.