- There's no right number of friends. One or two good ones is plenty.
- Many autistic teens connect best through shared interests.
- Online friends are real friends. Keep your personal details private.
- If someone is bullying you, tell an adult you trust. It's not your fault.
- Needing time alone after being with people is normal.
Friendship on your terms
Start with an interest
Clubs, games, art, coding, music, sports. Doing something together takes the pressure off talking.
Hanging out quietly counts
Sitting together while you each do your own thing is still hanging out.
Ask what they meant
If you're not sure what someone meant, it's okay to ask: "Did you mean that as a joke?"
Online friends
Lots of autistic teens find people who get them online. That's great. Keep yourself safe:
- Don't share your full name, school, address, or photos that show where you are.
- If someone asks you to keep secrets from your parents, or asks for photos, stop and tell an adult you trust.
- Never meet someone from online in person without a parent or guardian knowing and coming along.
If someone is mean to you
Bullying is never your fault, and you don't have to handle it alone. Tell a parent, teacher, or school counselor. Writing it down with dates helps. If it's hard to say out loud, you can show them a note or a message.
More help: StopBullying.gov, from the US government.
Masking
Masking means hiding how you really are so you fit in, like forcing eye contact or copying how others talk. It can help in the moment, but it's tiring. It's okay to find a few people and places where you don't have to.