# Social & Emotional Support

Helping Autistic Individuals Build Friendships & Social Skills

Socializing can be challenging, but structured approaches can foster meaningful relationships and interactions.

Strategies for Developing Social Skills

• Role-Playing & Practicing Conversations – Helps individuals become more comfortable with social scenarios.
• Social Stories – Narratives that explain social situations in an easy-to-understand format.
• Group Activities – Participating in clubs, interest-based groups, or structured social programs.
• Visual Supports – Cue cards and social scripts can guide appropriate social interactions.

Encouraging Meaningful Friendships

• Help individuals find peers with shared interests.
• Support interactions in structured, low-pressure environments.
• Teach reciprocity in conversations through turn-taking and active listening.
• Recognize and respect the individual’s social preferences and boundaries.

Supporting Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies

Emotional regulation can be difficult, but having the right tools can promote self-awareness and emotional control.

Effective Emotional Regulation Techniques

• Identify Triggers – Keep a log of situations that cause stress or meltdowns.
• Teach Self-Calming Techniques – Deep breathing, mindfulness, and fidget tools can be helpful.
• Provide Predictability – Structured routines reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
• Use Visual Emotion Charts – Helps individuals identify and communicate their emotions.

Managing Sensory Sensitivities & Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Many autistic individuals experience heightened or diminished sensory processing, making it important to create an accommodating environment.

Sensory Sensitivities & Coping Strategies

• Auditory Sensitivities – Use noise-canceling headphones or background white noise.
• Tactile Sensitivities – Offer different clothing textures or weighted blankets.
• Visual Sensitivities – Adjust lighting, reduce visual clutter, or use tinted glasses.
• Gustatory & Olfactory Sensitivities – Allow food preferences and introduce new flavors gradually.