Friendships

Building Your Child's Toolkit

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How our kids explain Friendships:  

Friendships are relationships built on trust, kindness, shared interests, and genuinely caring about each other.

Why is it important?

This can support a child in everyday life by helping them feel less alone, giving them someone to talk to and play with, and building their sense of belonging at school and in the community.

How does it help? 

Making and keeping friends can be more challenging for neurodivergent children due to difficulties reading social cues, differences in communication styles, and sensitivity to rejection. Learning the skills behind healthy friendships early on helps them build and maintain meaningful connections as they grow. 

Build Friendship Skills at Home with Your Child!

Help your child develop the building blocks of healthy friendships through everyday practice and conversations. Start with small, concrete steps.

Activities to try:

• Play "Friendship Scenarios" – Talk through "what would you do if..." situations (a friend is upset, someone won't share, etc.)

• Teach "Reading the Room" – Help them notice body language and tone (Are they smiling? Do they seem busy?)

• Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge when they share, compromise, or show empathy

• Host Low-Key Playdates – Keep them short and structured (board game, craft, outdoor play)

• Debrief After Social Time – Ask: "What went well? What felt hard? What would you do differently?"

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The Friendship Formula

How to Say Goodbye to Loneliness and Discover Meaningful Connection by Kyler Shumway

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