5 Steps to Help Your Autistic Child Build Social Skills*

As a parent of an autistic child, you’ve likely experienced the challenges of helping them navigate social interactions.   

Whether your child struggles with autism sensory issues, or communication, building social skills can feel daunting.   

However, they can develop these skills and gain more confidence in social situations with the right approach.  

Here are five steps to help your child build social skills in a way that suits their unique needs:  

1. Lean into Their Interests  

Autistic children often have focused interests, which can be an excellent tool for social engagement. Use their passion to introduce them to peers with similar interests.   

Whether through ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) sessions or occupational therapy, tapping into what excites them makes social interactions feel more natural and fun.  

2. Role-play with Real-Life Scenarios  

Social situations can feel overwhelming. Practicing at home can make a big difference. You can role-play everyday interactions like greeting someone or asking a question.   

Many autism apps also provide social stories and exercises to help children practice these skills in a fun, structured way. The One Autism Health App is an excellent resource for parents, offering tips and activities to support this learning.  

3. Create Small, Manageable Social Opportunities  

Autistic children with sensory issues might feel overwhelmed in large social settings. Start with smaller, quieter environments.   

Parent training sessions, often part of ABA or occupational therapy programs, can teach you how to introduce your child to manageable social experiences, making the process less stressful.  

4. Use Visual and Digital Tools  

Many autistic children benefit from visual supports, such as social stories, pictures, or autism apps designed to guide social interactions.   

These tools help break down communication barriers and explain emotions in more manageable ways for your child to understand.  

5. Celebrate Progress, No Matter How Small  

Building social skills takes time, especially when autism and sensory issues are involved.   

Celebrate small victories, whether it’s a short conversation or a new friendship. Apps like One Autism Health offer a space to track progress and get personalized advice to support your child’s growth.  

With the right resources and a lot of patience, your child can build meaningful social connections.   

You’re not alone—tools and therapies are available to help you through this difficult time. 

*Results may vary; please consult a professional for more info.