Why Autism and Friendship Skills for Children Share An Important Connection
Making and keeping friends can be difficult for a child on the autism spectrum, but autism and friendship skills don’t have to be an impossible pairing.
Meaningful relationships of all kinds are important for children with autism, as are learning tools that can help these relationships grow and develop. The benefits of socialization include helping children relate to their peers and nurture their self-confidence. Making friends is also a fantastic way to practice social skills and put them to use in real-world applications.
In this post, we’re digging deeper into why friendships are key for children on the autism spectrum, as well as sharing some tips that parents and caregivers can use to help little ones with autism make, and keep, more friends.
The Importance of Socialization in Autism
When we talk about the importance of socialization in autism, we’re not just referring to the general benefits of having friends (though those are important, too!).
For children with autism, establishing friendship skills is a therapeutic lesson as much as a life lesson. A simple friendship can boost self-esteem and confidence, improve their ability to forge connections with others, reduce social anxieties, and help them feel more accepted by others.
Neurodivergent or not, all children want to feel accepted by their peers. By making friendship-building skills a priority in therapy, caregivers can help children with autism establish skills that will benefit them in a myriad of ways—and make it easier for them to foster independence as they age.
Of course, the unique dynamics of autism are specifically what can make it so hard for children on the spectrum to make friends in the first place.1 They might not know how to start or continue conversations, and they often have difficulty picking up on social cues. Likewise, they may not feel comfortable taking part in activities or adjusting to novel social situations. In all of these areas, socialization therapy can help tremendously.
How to Help a Friend with Autism
Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, a care provider, or simply a friend to a child with autism, there are things that you can do to help the child make friends and feel more comfortable in social situations. After all, how do autistic people make friends? The same way we all do! They just need some extra support and guidance.
Here are some things you can do:
Offer opportunities related to their interests.
Friendships are built on shared interests, especially in childhood. Learn the interests of the child and then provide them with opportunities to engage in those interests in a setting with other children.
Promote autism awareness.
Children with autism aren’t all that different from children without, particularly when it comes to the desire for friendship. By being aware of this—and making others aware as well—you can help reduce the stigma that often stands in the way of friendships developing.
Set up playdates.
Kids in general usually require adults to do some of the heavy lifting with friendships, including setting up playdates. Ask your child’s permission first and try to plan the date around activities, rather than just an open-ended get together.
Model good social skills.
Practice what you preach, modeling social skills like going up to a new friend and saying “hello,” asking about your friends’ days, and actively listening when they’re speaking.
For more advice and assistance, we invite you to contact our team. Autism Specialty Group is one of Miami’s leading behavioral health organizations treating children with autism, and we offer services that can help your child feel more comfortable making friends.
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