Developing and managing other relationships

Most individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties with social communication and interaction. Developing and managing relationships outside of those with parents and caregivers can be challenging. In some instances, social challenges can result in individuals with ASD becoming targets for teasing or bullying. The following resources are intended to provide guidance and information on a range of issues related to social involvement, from developing social skills to making friends and navigating the world of dating.

Resources

Developing social skills

The United Kingdom's National Autistic Society offers comprehensive information on social skills for young children, teens and adults.
Autism Internet Modules are free online training tools for parents, caregivers and educators of children with autism. Social skills modules are available under the "Autism in the Community" heading. (The website, from the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, requires registration and login to use.)
Texas' Education Service Center Region XIII offers a free online course, "Navigating the Social Maze," that provides strategies to develop social skills.

Making friends

The Raising Children Network offers guidance on play and friendship for children with disabilities.
Autism-help.org includes a fact sheet titled "Helping Your Child to Make Friends."
The Alphabet Kids blog, on Psychology Today, provides an article with tips for turning peers into pals.
e-Buddies is an e-mail friendship program for people with and without cognitive disabilities age 12 and older. People are matched by age, gender and common interests.
UCLA's Parenting and Children's Friendship Program suggests books to help build friendships.

Dating and marriage

The Interactive Autism Network hosts an article on dating and autism, by Tony Attwood, titled "Romantic Relationships for Young Adults with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism."
The Autism Research Institute offers an article titled "Dating, Marriage and Autism: A Personal Perspective," written by Stephen Shore, who has ASD.

Dealing with bullying

"Bullying and ASD" is an article hosted by the Interactive Autism Network.
"How to Stop Bullying of Kids on the Autism Spectrum," an article made available by Education.com, offers practical steps to prevent bullying.
Education.com provides a variety of articles and other resources about bullying at school and online.
The National Center for Bullying Prevention, hosted by the PACER Center, sponsors two websites that provide information and resources on bullying prevention: Kids Against Bullying and Teens Against Bullying.
Stopbullying.gov includes resources for kids and adults about bullying awareness, prevention and intervention.
"How We Treat One Another in School," an article targeted to educators, is provided by ASCD.
"Perfect Targets: Asperger Syndrome and Bullying — Practical Solutions for Surviving the Social World," by Rebecca Anergies, is available through public libraries and many online book stores.

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Updated: April 18, 2013