Launch Recite Me assistive technology

Accessibility Tool

Meeting new people

 

We are all different - how we look, how we talk and how we feel. Making friends and having social interaction is an important part of everyone’s life.

Sometimes it can be difficult to meet new people - to help people get to know a bit more about you and what you find difficult, you could share a one page profile with someone so they can understand you a bit better. This can include:

  • things you like - foods, music, sensory
  • things you don't like - being told no, changes of plans, loud noises
  • how to support you when feeling distressed - give me space, give me a cuddle, give me ear defenders

A trusted adult could help you make one, or if you'd like further information about this, contact us.  

You could also ask people to watch our video resources to find out more about what it is like to have a special educational need or disability.

Here are Ambitious and Autisms top tips for making friends: 

  1. Speak to someone who you know has similar interests to you. Ask them questions about their own hobbies and interests. 
  2. Don’t try to be friends with everyone – only make friends with people that make you feel happy. 
  3. Put yourself out there if you can and remember that people want friends just as much as you do.
  4. Try joining online or in person communities based around something that you really like. The Ambitious Youth Network is a great way to connect with other autistic young people.
  5. Try to not over analyse social situations and just be yourself! 
  6. Ask for support from your parents. They can help you to interact with people you want to be friends with. 
  7. Be open about your interests and passions. Everyone likes different things, but people always like to find out new things, especially if you know a lot about them and get excited!

Ambitious about Autism have produced an easy read guide: Making friends An easy read guide explaining how to make friends as an autistic young person. Click on the link to read through the guide.

What can I do if I am feeling anxious or worried?

You may be feeling anxious or worried about meeting new people or making friends, this is okay. It can be a little bit scary at first but it get's easier the more time you spend with people.

If you need to take some time out from a group situation if you are feeling overwhelmed, this is also okay. You could have your toolkit that you use when you are feeling anxious or worried, or have one of the following items with you to help you in social situations:

  • fidget toys
  • ipod or music
  • a pillow
  • a weighted blanket
  • ear defenders
  • sensory play doh
  • essential oils

It can also be useful to ask for some photos to look at before you go of the people you might see and what the new place looks like - or you could look on their website or Facebook site.

 

Where could I meet new people?

Here are some places you could meet new people:

  • Youth club/group
  • Community learning class or group
  • Volunteering
  • SEND events and activities in the community.
  • At school, work or training
  • Through online communities, like the Ambitious Youth Network   

Have a look at our Facebook page and our SEND Directory to keep up to date with lots of events and activities happening in Milton Keynes.

What can I talk about with new people?

When you meet new people it's important to listen, as well as talk. You could ask the new person some questions that you think they might want to talk about, some examples are:

'What are your hobbies?'

'Do you go to school, work or do something else?'

'What TV shows are you enjoying watching?'

'What do you like to do on the weekends?'

You could also ask someone about a common interest you both have, this means when you both like the same thing. For example you both might like, gaming, animals, Minecraft, dance and drama - or just about anything really!

There are some topics to avoid talking about as people may not want to share this information or may find it rude. These are things like:

  • politics 
  • how much money they earn at work
  • their sexuality.

Also interested in

Your free time
Leisure and things to do
SEND Directory