Printable Workbook: Friendships

Friendships

A printable workbook to help autistic and neurodivergent children build healthy, confident and meaningful friendships.

This neurodiversity-affirming workbook helps children understand what makes a good friend, why friendships sometimes feel difficult and practical ways to navigate common social situations while staying true to themselves.

This resource focuses on helping children recognise healthy friendships, understand other people's perspectives, build confidence and develop practical strategies for managing friendship challenges without losing sight of who they are.

Created by SEND teacher and author Jen Staunton, this workbook draws on over 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children and combines evidence-informed practice with lived experience and a compassionate, strengths-based approach.

What's included

This printable workbook includes activities and guidance covering:

• What makes a good friend

• Recognising your own strengths as a friend

• Common friendship challenges

• Understanding why friendships sometimes feel difficult

• When you feel left out

• Managing disagreements and falling outs

• When someone wants everything their own way

• Recognising healthy and unhealthy friendships

• A simple Friendship Traffic Light to help identify safe and unsafe friendship behaviours

• What to do if someone isn't a good friend

• Practical strategies for when friendships feel overwhelming

• Positive reminder cards to build confidence and self-worth

• A personalised Friendship Plan children can complete with a trusted adult

• Interactive checklists and reflection activities throughout

Perfect for

• Parents and carers

• Primary schools

• SENCOs

• ELSAs

• Teaching assistants

• School counsellors

• Occupational therapists

• Autism support services

Suitable for

Children aged approximately 5–11 years, particularly autistic and other neurodivergent children who would benefit from understanding friendships in a gentle, supportive and affirming way.

Digital Download (PDF)

Print at home or use again and again in school, therapy sessions, social skills groups or one-to-one support.