Tip of the Week: Navigating Social Situations with Confidence

Social interactions can often feel challenging for girls and young women with ADHD and/or autism. Whether it’s understanding social cues, managing anxiety, or feeling like an outsider, social situations can sometimes be overwhelming. Here are three strategies to help your daughter navigate these interactions with more confidence:

1. Role-Playing Social Scenarios: Practice common social situations at home, like meeting new people, starting conversations, or handling conflicts. Role-playing can help your daughter feel more prepared for real-life interactions and reduce anxiety. It’s also an opportunity to teach her appropriate social cues and responses in a low-pressure environment.

2. Teach Self-Advocacy: Encourage your daughter to express her needs or challenges in social situations. If she feels overwhelmed or doesn’t understand something, it’s okay to speak up and ask for clarification. Teaching self-advocacy helps her feel more empowered in social settings and reduces the fear of saying something wrong.

3. Identify Comfortable Social Spaces: Not all social situations will feel the same. Help your daughter identify places or activities where she feels comfortable and supported. Whether it’s a quiet group activity, hanging out with a close friend, or engaging in a hobby, having a go-to space to socialize can help build confidence and reduce social stress.

Remember: Socializing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With practice and support, your daughter can learn how to navigate social situations at her own pace, develop lasting friendships, and feel more confident in herself.