Where Friendships Begin: Finding a Source of Friends
When we think about friendship, the first step is often the hardest: Where do I even find friends?
For many adolescents and young adults, especially those who are neurodiverse, making and keeping friends can feel overwhelming. But here’s the secret — every friendship starts with a source of friends.
What is a “Source of Friends”?
A source of friends is any place, activity, or community where you have regular opportunities to meet people with shared interests.
It could be:
A sports team or gym
A school club or extracurricular activity
A local library or gaming group
An online community built around a shared interest
The key is finding your people — those who like the same things you do.
Why It Matters
One of the biggest reasons young people struggle socially is that they’re simply not spending time in places where friendships naturally form. Without a source of friends, it’s like trying to grow a garden without planting any seeds.
When we help participants in the PEERS® Program explore their own sources of friends, we see their confidence grow. Suddenly, it feels possible. They’re not being asked to change who they are — they’re being supported to find communities where they can belong as themselves.
Step One in a Bigger Journey
This is just the starting point. In the 14-week PEERS® Program, once participants have identified sources of friends, we guide them through:
Starting and maintaining conversations
Exiting conversations gracefully
Using humour appropriately
Handling rejection or bullying
Hosting get-togethers and building closer connections
Friendship is a skill — and like any skill, it can be learned with the right support.
If your young person has been feeling lonely, isolated, or unsure how to connect, the first step is finding the right place to start. From there, we help with every next step.
👉 Our January 2026 PEERS® intake is now open for enrolments. Spaces fill quickly, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.
Learn more about the 14-week PEERS® Program
Book a free Discovery Call
Friendships begin by finding a source. The rest, we’ll help guide together.