Teaching Your Child How to Interact with a Child with Autism

As parents, we want our children to grow up kind, inclusive, and respectful of others—especially those who may experience the world differently than they do. One important way to instill these values is by teaching our kids how to interact with peers who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Children with autism may communicate, behave, or respond to the world in ways that are different from what your child is used to. Helping your child understand these differences with empathy and patience can foster lifelong compassion and meaningful friendships.

1. Start with Understanding

Begin by explaining that autism is a neurological difference that affects how someone talks, plays, learns, and interacts. Use age-appropriate language like:

“Some kids’ brains work in special ways. That means they might talk or play differently than you, but they still want friends and kindness just like you do.”

Emphasize that no two people with autism are the same—everyone has unique strengths and challenges.

2. Model and Teach Empathy

Talk with your child about recognizing and respecting differences. Ask guiding questions like:

• “How would you feel if someone didn’t understand the way you like to play?”

• “What could you do to make someone feel welcome even if they don’t talk the same way you do?”

Reading books or watching short videos that feature children with autism can also help make the topic relatable and clear.

3. Teach Patience and Flexibility

Children with autism may take longer to respond, avoid eye contact, or prefer playing alone. Teach your child to be patient and to follow the other child’s cues. Say things like:

“If your friend doesn’t want to play tag, maybe you could ask what they’d like to do instead.”

Encourage your child to see these moments as opportunities to learn new ways of connecting.

4. Explain Nonverbal Communication

Let your child know that not everyone uses words to communicate. Some kids use gestures, pictures, or devices to express themselves. Teach your child to look for and respect these alternative ways of interacting.

5. Emphasize Inclusion

Encourage your child to include everyone during group activities. This could mean helping a child with autism feel welcome during recess, adapting a game to fit everyone’s needs, or simply saying hello.

You can say:

“Being a good friend means noticing when someone is left out and helping them feel included.”

6. Celebrate Similarities and Differences

Help your child recognize that while we all have things in common, our differences make us special. Reinforce the idea that everyone brings something valuable to the group.

7. Answer Questions Honestly

Children are naturally curious and may ask why a peer is acting a certain way. Be honest, clear, and kind in your explanations. Avoid labeling behaviors as "weird" or "bad"—instead, describe them as “different” or “another way of doing things.”

Teaching your child how to interact with a child with autism isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about creating a world where everyone feels valued and understood. When we raise children who are open-hearted and compassionate, we lay the groundwork for a more empathetic future.

Start the conversation today. A little guidance can lead to a lifelong lesson in kindness.