Friendship in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Having friends is crucial to children's well-being and the development of adequate cognitive, linguistic, and social skills in typical development. Although the majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorder have significant difficulties in friendship formation, this remains an overlooked topic. Thus, in-depth research on friendship processes in autism spectrum disorder is greatly needed. In this chapter, we provide descriptions of the nature, quality, and importance of friendship in autism spectrum disorder across development, from preschool through adulthood. We also provide a description of the children who form friendships with children with autism spectrum disorder as well as pointing out individual, familial, and environmental components that may contribute to friendship formation in autism spectrum disorder. Finally, we suggest future topics for friendship studies. Novel data will be presented based on quantitative and qualitative multidimensional assessment procedures, including semi-structured and spontaneous observations of friendship as well as self-reports and others' reports, combining current and longitudinal evaluations of friendship.