Episode
354: Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Kids (and Adults), with Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., ACCG, PCC
- Podcast
- Beautifully Complex
- Published
- Apr 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2228
- Processing state
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Summary
There’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child stand on the outside, longing to belong. I’ve been there, and I know how deeply it can affect not just our kids, but us as parents too. In this episode, I’m joined by friendship expert Caroline Maguire to talk about why making and keeping friends can feel so hard for neurodivergent kids, teens, and even adults. We unpack the real reasons behind social struggles, from executive function challenges and emotional regulation to differences in interests, communication styles, and developmental timelines. Caroline shares powerful insights into why trying to “fit in” often backfires, and how true belonging comes from embracing who our kids already are. We also talk about how to support our kids in finding their people in ways that actually work for their brains. That means leaning into their interests, choosing environments that fit their energy and sensory needs, and letting go of outdated expectations about how friendships are “supposed” to look. We even dive into the challenges young adults face when the built-in social structure of school disappears, and how to rebuild connection in a more intentional way. If you’ve ever worried that your child might never find real connection, this conversation will offer both reassurance and practical direction. Friendship is learnable, belonging is possible, and our kids don’t have to change who they are to get there. Listen in for a conversation that will shift how you think about connection, confidence, and what it really means to find your people. You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com . It’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time. Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/354 Visit our sponsor, Russe…