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How does autism affect trust development in friendships? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Autistic people may experience trust in friendships differently from neurotypical peers. Trust often develops more slowly and deliberately, influenced by differences in communication, social understanding, sensory regulation, and past experiences of misunderstanding or exclusion. 

Recent UK and international research (2023–2025) highlights that while autistic people value honesty and loyalty highly, they may approach emotional trust, vulnerability, and reciprocity in unique ways shaped by their neurological processing and social experiences. 

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How autistic communication influences trust 

Autistic communication is typically direct, literal, and transparent, which can help build strong trust once relationships are established. However, because many social interactions rely on unspoken cues or assumptions, early misunderstandings can occur. 

The National Autistic Society notes that autistic people may find indirect language or sarcasm confusing, and inconsistent communication patterns can reduce their sense of safety and reliability. 

Conversely, research shows that when interactions are clear, honest, and consistent, autistic individuals often build deep, enduring trust and friendships based on shared interests and authenticity. 

Emotional safety and predictability 

Autistic people frequently value predictability and emotional consistency in relationships. According to NICE and NHS guidance, uncertainty or sudden change, for example, cancelled plans or inconsistent behaviour, can make it harder for trust to grow. 

Predictable communication and clear boundaries create emotional safety. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychiatry review found that autistic adults often associate trust with behavioural reliability and honesty, rather than emotional expressiveness or frequency of contact. 

The NHS England Sensory-Friendly Resource Pack (2023) also notes that sensory stress or overload can reduce tolerance for unpredictable or emotionally intense social exchanges, impacting perceived trustworthiness in group settings. 

Past experiences and social vulnerability 

Some autistic people may have experienced bullying, exclusion, or misunderstanding in earlier friendships, making trust-building slower or more cautious in adulthood. 

The NICE CG142 guidelines recommend supporting autistic people to develop and maintain relationships through structured, person-centred social communication interventions. These can help identify trustworthy peers, navigate boundaries, and improve confidence in new relationships. 

How friends can help 

The National Autistic Society and NICE CG142 guidelines recommend: 

  • Communicating openly and directly. 
  • Keeping promises and explaining changes early. 
  • Respecting sensory and emotional boundaries. 
  • Valuing honesty over social “niceties.” 

These practices help autistic individuals feel safe, respected, and understood key foundations for trust. 

In Plain English: Key Takeaways 

  • Autistic people often develop trust through consistency, honesty, and reliability rather than emotional displays. 
  • Clear communication and predictable behaviour build stronger, more secure friendships. 
  • Support from friends and professionals can help rebuild trust when misunderstandings occur. 

When both autistic and non-autistic friends understand and respect each other’s needs, trust grows naturally: built on openness, not assumptions. 

Beatrice Holloway, MSc
Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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