How Does Autism Affect Confidence in Social Contexts with Friends? 

Autism can shape social confidence in subtle but powerful ways. Many autistic people describe wanting close friendships but finding social interaction difficult because of communication differences, sensory overload, or past experiences of exclusion. According to NICE guidance (CG170), these differences reflect how autistic and non-autistic people process social information, not a lack of social ability or interest. 

Understanding Social Confidence in Autism 

The NHS explains that autistic people often prefer clear, direct communication and may need more time to interpret tone, facial expressions, or social cues. Group conversations can feel overwhelming because of rapid turn-taking, background noise, or competing for sensory input. The National Autistic Society notes that these challenges can lower confidence, especially in unstructured settings, leading some people to favour smaller, calmer social environments. 

An NHS England framework (2023) highlights that lower confidence is often caused by misunderstanding or lack of inclusion, not by a lack of social motivation. When peers understand autistic communication, confidence and wellbeing both improve. 

Evidence and Community Insights 

A 2023 review in Frontiers in Psychology found that autistic adults and young people who experience genuine acceptance within friendships report higher self-esteem and lower social anxiety. Similarly, UK research published by  SAGE Journals in 2023 found that a strong sense of autistic identity and belonging within the community can strengthen confidence and emotional wellbeing. 

According to Newcastle NHS research (2023) and guidance from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT, 2025), it’s essential to support both autistic and non-autistic people to understand and value different communication styles. This avoids pressure to “mask” autistic traits: a behaviour linked with anxiety and reduced confidence over time. 

Supporting Confidence Through Understanding 

NICE and National Autistic Society recommend practical steps such as preparing for social situations in advance, choosing social activities based on shared interests, and creating calm, structured environments that reduce uncertainty. Building awareness among non-autistic friends is equally important: mutual understanding is what helps autistic people feel confident, respected, and authentically themselves. 

Key Takeaway 

Social confidence in autism grows when environments adapt, not when autistic people are asked to change who they are. As NICE guidance makes clear, teaching people to “act less autistic” is not supported. Instead, acceptance, inclusion, and clear communication form the foundation of confidence and wellbeing in friendships. 

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.