Friendships give children a place to belong. But for neurodiverse kids—those with autism, ADHD, or learning differences—making friends isn’t always easy. They might communicate differently or struggle with reading social cues. So how can you, as a parent, help?
Build Social Skills at Home
Start small. You don’t need a classroom—just incorporating these tips into their daily routine can make a big difference.
- Hello and How Are You? Try this every day. Saying “hello” and “how are you?” might seem basic but practicing it can make social situations smoother. Try it with family, toys, or even a pet.
- Adjusting Behavior: Explain the “when” and “where” of certain behaviors. For example, an excited voice is perfect for a playground but not the library. Try using simple visual aids or cue cards to show where each behavior fits.
- Play Skills: Help them get comfortable with different ways of playing. Try parallel play (playing side-by-side) and interactive play (games that need turn-taking or sharing).
- Reading People: Body language and facial expressions are like a secret code. Use books, videos, or family role-play to decode things like smiling, frowning, or crossing arms.
Managing Strong Emotions
Strong emotions can lead to impulsive reactions. That’s natural. Teach your child to name what they’re feeling—whether they’re “angry,” “frustrated,” or “excited.” Create a calm space or routine for them to reset. An “emotions board” can be helpful, and remember, therapists can provide tailored strategies too.
Create Opportunities to Make Friends
Real friendships need real experiences. Start small and build up.
- Playdates and Events: Structure the playdate at first—maybe a craft activity or a board game—and ease into free play as they get comfortable.
- Community Programs: Look for inclusive programs at community centers or local events that match your child’s interests, from art workshops to sports.
- Connect with Other Families: Find other parents with neurodiverse kids, and plan group outings. Try nature walks, family game nights, or an ice cream meetup.
Your child’s teacher or therpaist can suggest even more resources. With a bit of practice and patience, you can help them learn the joys of friendship. Embrace their journey—it’s uniquely theirs, and that’s what makes it amazing.
