Family Friends
A video about making friends, when autism is part of the picture.
Everyone needs friends! It may take some extra support for autistic children to develop the skills for making friends, and extra support and conversation for others to develop the skills to be a friend to someone who’s autistic. Here are some ideas to help:
- Be inclusive. It may be that someone wants to play, but doesn’t know how to ask. Find something everyone likes and use specific language (“Here are some blocks to stack with us.”).
- Keep trying. It may take a few tries. If your new friend needs some space, try again at another time.
- Patience helps. An autistic person may take a little longer to respond, or may need something repeated—and may have different ways of communicating.
Teaching Self-Determination Skills
Try these playful activities to help your child develop important self-determination skills.
Setting and Achieving Goals
With support from a caring grown-up, autistic children can set goals, make a plan, and accomplish big things!
Julia and Rose – Best Friends Fur-Ever
When Julia has an idea, she sees it through… with a little help from her family. This social story for autistic children models what’s possible!
Super Helper
Finding ways to help their family can be a great way for autistic children to build skills and pursue goals.
Time for a Treat
Sometimes autistic children—and all children—need a little help from others to reach their goals.
Where Should We Go?
Even taking a walk around the neighborhood can offer opportunities for autistic children to make choices—and have fun!
Forging Furry Friendships: How Human-Animal Interventions Can Support Autistic Children’s Well-Being
In this webinar, you’ll learn about the science of human-animal bonds and specifically how animal interventions can support autistic children’s well-being.
