Social Skills and Friendship

The social communication difficulties we discussed in Chapter 6 show up most concretely in everyday life in the area of making and keeping friends. In this chapter, we'll take a practical look at how social skills can be supported.

Social Skills Groups

Structured social skills groups are settings where children of similar age and developmental level come together, under the guidance of a professional, to practice skills like starting a conversation, waiting their turn, and recognizing and expressing emotions. These groups offer a chance to practice with real peers in a low-risk, supportive environment.

Social Stories

Social stories are short pieces of writing that explain a specific social situation (going to a birthday party, meeting a new child, knowing what to do after making a mistake) using simple, first-person narration, often supported by pictures. These stories help a child learn a social situation by "rehearsing" it ahead of time, and they're especially useful before new or anxiety-producing situations.

Tip / Practical Suggestion

Use your child's special interest (see Chapter 7) as a bridge to social connection: bringing them together with peers who share the same interest (a club, an online community, an activity) creates a natural opportunity for social interaction over common ground.

Building Awareness Among Peers

In the school setting, simple awareness activities led by the teacher (explaining autism in an age-appropriate, non-stigmatizing way) can help classmates understand a child with autism better and create a more accepting classroom. When planning this kind of activity, always get the approval of your child and family, and agree on the framing you prefer, in advance.

When to Seek Advice

Being excluded, teased, or bullied by peers is reported more often in children with autism than in the general population, and it can have serious emotional effects. Keep an eye on your child's social experiences regularly (through direct questions or changes in behavior), and contact the school right away if you suspect bullying.