How do you deal with teen having no friends?

[parrotonmyshoulder]

All she wants is a friend. A real one.
ASC, no support at school. Lots of anxiety and finds groups intimidating. So many masking and coping mechanisms that others think she’s fine.
I’m feeling really overwhelmed by it today - it’s so hard helping her through her sadness day after day. She feels more and more left out and lonely each day.
Year 8. Massive school. I don’t know where to turn for help.
She has just started counselling, but I know that won’t be a quick fix!

I really feel for you and your daughter, we have been there too. My daugher was recently diagnosed with ASD (now Year 10) but struggled with friendships particularly in Year 7. Surely the school must be able to help in some way? We had a pastoral manager who was willing to help my daughter go to a club held within school and fortunately she met some like-minded girls there (obviously it wasn't hockey club!). We have been so lucky that it turned out I knew one of the girls mum's from the playgroup days and arranged for her to come round and a lovely friendship has blossomed from there. Alternatively have you found a local ASD group? We have one in my region which runs clubs to help children meet others. Good luck.

Lots of school often have an ASD lunchtime club. Sit down with her and ask her to name three-four other children she would be interested in becoming friends with and discuss how she might build up a relationship with them. I always tell my children it is easier to make friends with someone who needs a friend. So if there are any quite shy or new children needing a friend they might be worth considering. Also ask the school to put her next to potential friends in class.

This is so difficult, i feel the your pain as my DD is 15 and has no real friends.

She has ASC, and it’s always been a challenge for her , we are now at the point where she doesn’t feel like putting herself out there . School are supportive academically as she has TA support , but i wish there was more help with friendships

The girls autism groups are good but ours stopped with covid and hasn’t resumed yet …

I wondered if there was a befriending service for girls in the spectrum ,,?