Is your teen spending hours online with friends but never seeing anyone in person? Learn why this happens and how to help your teen bridge the gap to real-world friendships.

If your teen has autism or ADHD and struggles socially, you are not alone. And more importantly, it’s not because there’s something “wrong” with them. They just haven’t been taught the steps yet.

Teens with ADHD desperately want friends but often make these 3 social mistakes without realising it. Learn why it happens and how to help your ADHD teen build lasting friendships.

"Put yourself out there."

"Friends will come when you least expect it."

If you're a parent of an autistic teenager, you've probably heard all this advice. And if you're like most parents I work with, you've also watched your teen try to follow it—and fail.

Supporting social and emotional wellbeing goes far beyond physical health. For many children, teens, and young adults — particularly those who are autistic or neurodivergent — flourishing depends on feeling understood, regulated, and supported in everyday interactions.

This month’s theme, Nourish to Flourish, invites us to think about how we nourish minds, emotions, and resilience — especially during times of social stress, change, or uncertainty.

 Is your teenager struggling with friendships? Learn the 3 warning signs that indicate your teen needs social skills support and what you can do to help them build lasting friendships.

Friendships are a central part of teenage life, yet for autistic teens, forming and maintaining these relationships can often feel confusing, exhausting, or even impossible. Many parents, caregivers, and educators notice that while autistic teens often want friendships, they sometimes struggle to navigate the unwritten rules of social interaction. Understanding why friendships are challenging – and knowing how to provide support – can make a world of difference.

As a new year begins, there is often an unspoken expectation to change. New goals. New habits. A “new version” of yourself.

For many neurodivergent young people and adults, this pressure can feel overwhelming rather than motivating. The idea that you must suddenly become more confident, more social, or more outgoing can create anxiety before the year has even begun.

Everyone has a reputation. It is the way others see and describe us. Sometimes that reputation feels fair, but other times it might be based on misunderstandings, old mistakes, or behaviours we have already outgrown.

If you have autism, ADHD, social anxiety or you’ve just never had much dating experience, these questions can feel huge.
It’s not that you don’t want to date, you just don’t know the steps.

And that’s frustrating.

Making and keeping friends after 30 isn’t as simple as it used to be.

Back in school or uni, friendships almost formed themselves. Classmates, clubs and constant social events gave us ready-made opportunities to meet people and stay connected.

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.

Why Every Young Person Should Learn Social Skills: One Parent’s Powerful Perspective on the PEERS® Program

In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced, digital, and socially complex, one thing remains unchanged: the importance of connection. Whether it’s friendships, family relationships, or professional communication, social skills are the foundation of a thriving life.

What To Do When Someone Teases You: A Guide to Handling Teasing Effectively

Teasing can really hurt, right? Whether it’s at school, work, or online, being teased can make you feel upset, embarrassed, or powerless. You might have been told to just ignore it, walk away, or tell an adult. But here’s the truth: those strategies don’t always work—and sometimes, they can even make things worse.

We understand that navigating social situations can be tough, especially when you have autism, ADHD, or other social challenges. Whether you're a teen, a young adult, or a parent supporting someone in their social development, these challenges are real, and they can be frustrating.

The PEERS® Social Skills Boot Camp for June 2025 is designed to address these struggles and help participants improve their social interactions in a structured, supportive environment. But why should you consider this Boot Camp for you or your child? Let’s look at some of the common pain points and how this program can provide real solutions.

Have you ever been in a conversation where you tried to explain how you felt, but it turned into an argument instead?
Maybe you said something like, "You're always ignoring me!" — and suddenly the other person got defensive.

That's exactly where "I" statements can help.

"I" statements are a simple but powerful communication tool.
They let you express your feelings clearly, without blaming or accusing the other person — which means people are much more likely to really listen to you.

Let's break it down.

Making friends can be hard — especially if you don’t know where to find them.

We hear it all the time from parents and young people: “They want friends, but they just don’t have anyone to talk to.” Or “There’s no one their age that they connect with.” And sometimes, that’s true — because they’re simply not in the right spaces to meet like-minded people.

For many young people, one of the hardest parts of making friends is knowing how to start. It’s not always about being outgoing or funny — sometimes, it’s simply knowing what to say, when to say it, or how to join in.

You might see your teen or young adult hang around the edges of a group, clearly wanting to be part of it, but unsure how to get involved. They might smile, look over, or even walk past a few times — hoping someone will notice. But without the right tools or confidence, starting that conversation can feel impossible.

We all want to feel like we belong. Whether it is at school, work, or in social settings, being part of a group gives us a sense of connection and support. But for many, especially those who struggle with social skills, fitting in can feel challenging. The good news is that social skills are learnable, and they play a crucial role in being accepted by peers and making lasting friendships.