Friendship can be a beautiful source of joy and connection, but for autistic children, navigating social situations may feel overwhelming or confusing. That’s why it’s important to pause, reflect, and approach social development with patience, understanding, and tailored support.

Helping your child build friendships starts with nurturing their confidence, celebrating their strengths, and creating opportunities for interaction that feel safe and enjoyable. Whether it’s through shared interests, gentle role-play, or using visual supports, these tips are designed to help you guide your child towards meaningful connections—at their own pace and in their own way.

Teach social scripts – practice scenarios like greeting someone, asking to play, or responding to invitations using simple scripts.
Role-play – rehearse social interactions with siblings, cousins, or friends who are patient and understanding.
Normalise differences – showcase diversity and model inclusive behavior.
Focus on strengths – highlight your child’s positive qualities and celebrate their successes.
Identify shared interests – find activities and groups that align with your child’s passions, like art classes, sports teams, or clubs.
Organise playdates – start with one-on-one interactions in a quiet environment and gradually increase the number of children and complexity of activities.
Use visual supports – visual schedules and cue cards can help children navigate social situations.
Encourage online connections – social media can be a valuable tool for autistic youth to connect with others who share their interests.
Don’t force it – allow your child to have alone time when needed and avoid overwhelming them with social situations.
Be patient – social skills take time to develop, so celebrate small victories and encourage continued practice.
Seek support – connect with other parents, educators, and professionals for guidance and resources.
Focus on connection over perfection – prioritize genuine connection and understanding over strict adherence to social norms.

Helpful websites and support

• National Autistic Society (NAS) – The UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Offers advice on social skills, education, play, and friendship-building.
• Ambitious about Autism – Provides resources for parents, carers, and professionals, including toolkits for supporting social development and inclusion.
• Contact – Supports families with disabled children, including those with autism. Offers guidance on social opportunities, play, and peer support.
• Scope – Offers inclusive play and friendship resources, as well as support for parents navigating social challenges.
• Autism Education Trust (AET) – 
  Focuses on educational settings but includes helpful materials for parents and carers on building social confidence.
• IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) – Offers legal advice and resources for families navigating education and inclusion for autistic children
• Torbay Family Hubs, managing emotions webpage