How Do Nonverbal Communication Differences Affect Making Friends in Autism?

PostedDecember 5, 2025

UpdatedDecember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Autism, nonverbal communication, and making friends are closely connected. Children with autism often struggle with social interaction, making it more challenging to form peer relationships. Nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures, are essential for social communication. When these nonverbal skills are delayed or atypical, it can impact their ability to make friends.

In autism, difficulties with nonverbal communication often hinder social engagement. Children may avoid eye contact, struggle with using facial expressions, or have trouble with gestures like waving or pointing. These nonverbal cues are vital for understanding and responding to others in social settings.

How Nonverbal Communication Affects Making Friends in Autism

Nonverbal communication plays a key role in friendship formation and improving these skills can enhance social connections.

Limited Eye Contact

Children with autism often avoid or have trouble maintaining eye contact, which can be seen as disinterest by peers, making it hard to form friendships. Social skills training can help improve eye contact and boost social engagement.

Difficulty with Facial Expressions

Many children with autism show fewer or atypical facial expressions, which can make it harder for others to understand their emotions. Therapies that focus on emotional expression can help children better connect with others.

Challenges with Gestures

Nonverbal communication like gestures is crucial for socialising. Children with autism may not use these gestures appropriately, affecting how they interact with peers. Speech therapy can help teach children how to use gestures effectively to enhance social interactions.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations to learn more about how autism, nonverbal communication, and making friends are interconnected.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Nonverbal Communication Differences.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and 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 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.