Friendships are vital for well-being, offering support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. However, for neurodivergent individuals, navigating the world of friendship can present unique challenges due to differences in communication styles, social understanding, and sensory sensitivities compared to neurotypical expectations.
This blog post explores the landscape of neurodivergent friendships, celebrating the authentic ways neurodivergent people connect, communicate, and support one another. We’ll also address common misconceptions and provide insights for both neurodivergent and neurotypical readers to foster understanding and meaningful connections.
Neurotypical social norms often dictate how friendships should look and function. These norms can be unspoken and assume a shared understanding of social cues, conversational styles, and expectations for interaction. Neurodivergent individuals, whose brains process information differently, may find these norms confusing, exhausting, or simply irrelevant. This can lead to misinterpretations, social difficulties, and feelings of isolation.
While navigating neurotypical social landscapes can be challenging, neurodivergent individuals often forge deeply meaningful and supportive friendships with one another. These friendships are frequently characterized by:
It’s crucial to dispel common misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals and their ability to form and maintain friendships:
Here are some tips for supporting your neurodivergent child’s social connections:
- Support Authenticity: Embrace your child’ s unique communication style and interests.
- Model Helpful communication techniques: Embrace all forms of communication, especially when your child is in a tricky social situation (e.g. signs/gestures, vocalizations, AAC, writing, body language/facial expressions).
- Help Your Child Set Boundaries: Your child can learn to protect their energy and well-being by setting clear boundaries around social interactions (e.g. if your child is easily overwhelmed by a crowded environment, ask your child if they prefer to play elsewhere).
- Seek Out Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with other neurodivergent families whose children share your child’ s interests and understand your family experiences.
- Model Self–Advocacy: Learn about yours and your child’s unique learning styles and strengths/interests and model asking for the accommodations or supports you need (e.g. “It’s too loud in here, I need my headphones”).
For Neurotypical Family Members/Friends:
- Be Patient and Understanding: Recognize that neurodivergent individuals may communicate and interact differently.
- Avoid Assumptions: Don’t make assumptions about someone’s abilities or intentions based on their neurodivergence.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Be Direct and Clear: Avoid sarcasm, subtle hints, or implied meanings.
- Respect Boundaries: Honor the other person’s boundaries around social interaction and sensory input.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about neurodiversity and different neurodivergent conditions.
Neurodivergent friendships offer a valuable alternative to neurotypical social norms, celebrating authenticity, acceptance, and deep connection. It can look a lot different than you experienced as a child. By embracing neurodiversity and fostering your child’s understanding of their own unique gifts, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone. The key is to move beyond preconceived notions and appreciate the unique strengths and perspectives that your child brings to the table.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION! Click here to register for our upcoming Caregiver Workshop: Supporting Friendship Building.
(949) 252-9946 or support@irvinetherapyservices.com