How can I make friends with an autistic person?

Question

I met this girl with a little autism, and I would like to be friends with her because she seems to be really nice, so can anyone tell me how should I talk to her?

Answer 1

You are an Angel, for sure!  It's hard to form a friendship with someone with Autism, but it can be done.  Do you know much about it?  Check out your school library and see if you can find something, ( can't remember the name of the one I read ) That's what I did.  I grew up never knowing my younger half-brother, but then about a year ago, we started talking and we get along great!  He is 17 and I'm 31 so we don't really have alot in common but we always find something to talk about.  He's very smart and believe it or not I kind of admire him for overcoming alot of hurdles in his early years.  I wouldn't give up our friendship for anything.  You should see what interests her and show some interest in that.

Answer 2

Buy their underwear at K-Mart.. Yeah, definately K-Mart.  Also, let them watch Judge Wapner.  246, definately. Charlie Babbit.

Actually, if they are capable of forming a friendship they will do it with you. Participate in activities they like and see if a bond forms.

Answer 3

Many people with high functioning autism do want to make friends they just don't know how to go about it in the best way and are frequently awkward. Talk to her like anybody else.

Answer 4

Just treat her like you do everyone else. If she can talk let her talk about what she likes and really listen to her.

I have HFA and people look at me like an alien.

Just treat her like normal and don't be afraid. Autism is not contagious. Ask her what kind of things she likes and stuff. The same you would do with another person.

If she doesn't respond ask her if you can just sit by her and if she doesn't object just sit there. It might take a while for her to warm up to someone wanting to be her friend.

Answer 5

They are very literal. Other than that, you try to make friends as usual, if the girl is capable of such a social interaction you will know.

Answer 6

Like you would talk to a normal person. You didn't mention her age, your age, or the severity of her autism, but every person is capable of making bonds of some sort. Ask about what she's interested in. Don't touch her - especially without warning/permission. No matter how high-functioning she is, that will not go over well.

With that said, don't let "autism" rule how you think of her. She's a person just like you, and she has her own interests and personality. Treat her like a normal person, just be patient and be prepared for strange behaviours or reactions.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Well, you didn't mention your age, her age, or the severity.  You say you met a little girl, so I'm guessing she is younger than you.  And you said little autism, so I'm guessing she is functional.  Just talk to her, don't get to close and don't push for closeness or affection.  I used to work with preschool age children and we had a difficult little girl with functional autism.  It took a long time, but by the time she left to go to Kindergarten I was getting hugs several times a day and we got along great.  I even got a card on the last telling me she'd miss me, in her own writing, because she is a very smart little girl.  She's now finished kingergarten and on her way to first grade.  You just have to be patient and don't push anything on them.  Good luck.

Answer 8

Find out what she likes to talk about. In my son's (who is a high functioning autistic kid) case, the common denominator for him and other normal kids are computer games. The moment they start on Dragonfable or club penguin, my son behaves like any normal kid. In fact, he has made many friends by talking about these things.

Answer 9

you are truly a kind and caring person to ask a question like this. my son has high functioning autism and all he wants is to have friends. it is difficult for people with autism to have social skills. but they can learn just like anything else they learn. if you have the patients and are willing to he;p her learn from you , you could be helping her more than you know, but best of all you will be gaining a friend. i hope it all works out for you both. good luck and thank you for the question. Kathy