Why Overusing the Word "Friend" Can Hurt Autistic and ADHD Children

Podcast: THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST · Holly Blanc Moses

Opublikowano: 2026-01-21

We use the word friend all the time—at school, at home, on the playground. "Line up, friends." "We don't hit our friends." "That's my friend from work." It sounds warm and inclusive, and it's almost always said with good intentions. But for many autistic and ADHD children, language is taken literally. When we tell them everyone is their friend, they believe us. And then they expect those people to act like friends—to include them, play with them, and treat them kindly. When that doesn't happen, the confusion can turn into hurt, self-blame, anxiety, and even depr...