How Do Life Transitions Such as Moving Schools or Jobs Impact Friendships in Autism? 

Life transitions, such as moving to a new school, changing jobs, or experiencing significant life changes, can have a profound impact on individuals with autism and their ability to form and maintain friendships. These transitions often bring new environments, unfamiliar social expectations, and increased stress, all of which can pose unique challenges for autistic individuals. Understanding how these transitions affect friendships is key to providing the right support and minimizing the risk of social isolation. 

Challenges

Moving Schools and Friendships in Childhood 

For children with autism, moving to a new school can be an overwhelming experience. NHS guidance emphasizes that changes in routine and the unfamiliarity of a new school environment can heighten anxiety and disrupt existing social connections. Autistic children may struggle with the social dynamics of a new classroom, making it difficult to re-establish or form new friendships. The challenge of adapting to new social norms, different teaching styles, and unfamiliar peers can increase feelings of isolation. 

Support programs like peer-mediated interventions and social skills training can help ease the transition by providing structured opportunities to practice social interactions and build relationships. Schools can also provide a stable, supportive environment where children with autism can gradually build social connections with their new peers. 

Changing Jobs and Social Connections in Adulthood 

For adults with autism, moving to a new job can bring similar challenges. The workplace is often a primary environment for forming friendships, but transitioning to a new job can disrupt established social networks and create feelings of loneliness. NICE guidelines stress that adults with autism may face difficulties in understanding social norms and expectations in a new work environment, which can limit their ability to form relationships with new colleagues. 

Job transitions may also involve increased stress or anxiety, especially if the individual faces challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, or managing workplace dynamics. Without structured support, individuals with autism may struggle to make the social connections necessary for developing friendships. However, inclusive workplaces that foster neurodiversity and provide mentorship or peer support programs can help mitigate these challenges and create opportunities for meaningful connections. 

Impact of Relocation and Social Support Systems 

Relocation, whether due to a job change, moving to a new city, or other life transitions, can further impact friendships for individuals with autism. NHS guidance highlights that changes in living situations can disrupt social networks, as individuals may no longer have access to familiar friends or support systems. The stress of adjusting to a new environment, coupled with the difficulty of making new friends, can lead to increased feelings of isolation. 

Building and maintaining friendships during times of relocation requires structured support, such as community programs, social groups, or local autism networks. These programs can provide a consistent social outlet and help individuals establish new social connections during periods of transition. 

Conclusion 

Life transitions like moving schools, changing jobs, or relocating can significantly impact friendships for individuals with autism. These transitions often introduce new environments, increased stress, and unfamiliar social dynamics, making it more difficult to maintain existing friendships or form new ones. However, with the right support such as peer-mediated interventions, inclusive workplaces, and structured social programs, individuals with autism can successfully navigate these transitions and build lasting, meaningful 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.