A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may face unique challenges in forming friendships. The study, published in the journal “Autism Research,” found that children with ASD often struggle with social communication and interaction, which are crucial for building and maintaining friendships. These challenges can manifest in various ways, including difficulty understanding social cues, engaging in reciprocal conversation, and interpreting nonverbal communication.
“But some parents say their children face barriers in making friends, such as personality, social anxiety, medical conditions or just not having as many opportunities.” Over half of parents report at least one factor that makes it difficult for their child to make new friends, with about one in five saying that shyness or being socially awkward got in the way of their child’s friend-making efforts. Another 15% of parents say friendship challenges stemmed from kids being mean while less than 10% said a child’s disability or medical condition made friendships more challenging. Parents of older children were more likely than parents of younger children to say that difficulties making new friends are related to other kids already having friend groups or having too few places to get together.
This includes activities like playdates, organized sports, and community events. Parents are also actively involved in their children’s social lives, often attending school events, volunteering, and engaging in conversations about social situations. The report highlights the importance of fostering a child’s social skills, particularly in the context of navigating friendships. It emphasizes that these skills are crucial for a child’s overall well-being and development.
“Parents’ involvement may vary based on a child’s age, personality, and social needs.” Children who struggle making new friends because of shyness, medical conditions or social anxiety, for example, may need to be gently eased into friend-making. Parents can help by choosing a small-group activity the child enjoys, Clark suggests, and allow space for the child to become comfortable interacting with peers. “For some children, making new friends can be stressful,” Clark said. “Remember that children are still developing and practicing their social skills while making and maintaining friendships. “Parents should expect and allow children to make mistakes, intervening only in matters of safety. Later, in a private moment with the child, parents should be ready to listen and offer advice.”
Parents of older children are also more likely to allow children to use social media to connect with friends – including one in four parents of middle school-aged children – and buy items to help them “fit in.” Clark cautions parents to be mindful of how their kids are using social media, which has been shown to increase the risk of developing mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression because of opportunities for negative peer influences. “Parents who choose to allow social media should help their child learn to use it responsibly,” she said. Parents want friends’ families to be like them
This is a common concern across all age groups, with parents of younger children expressing similar anxieties about their children’s social circles. Parents are concerned about their children’s safety and well-being, and they want to be involved in their children’s social lives. They want to know who their child is spending time with and what they are doing.
He argues that children should be encouraged to engage with diverse groups of children, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding. This is a crucial point because it highlights the importance of fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding in children’s social development. Children who are exposed to a variety of perspectives and backgrounds develop a more nuanced understanding of the world and their place in it.
