Adolescents with Autism: Friendships support emotional well‑being, study suggests

A 2026 qualitative study by Silva, Bennett and Dare reports that friendships provided adolescents with autism emotional support and a stronger sense of belonging.

A recent qualitative study explored how friendships affect the well‑being of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers Silva, Bennett and Dare conducted interviews that highlighted emotional support, belonging and social development as central themes. Participants emphasized friendships formed around shared interests and structured activities as especially meaningful. The study was published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies in 2026. Key findings: - The research used interviews and qualitative methods to gather adolescents' perspectives on friendships. - Participants described friendships as a source of emotional support that helped reduce feelings of isolation. - Adolescents reported that friendships contributed to improved social skills, confidence, and the ability to express their identity when accepted by peers. - Shared interests and structured group activities, such as clubs and sports, were commonly cited as less pressured settings for forming connections. - The study also reported challenges, including social misunderstandings and difficulties with social reciprocity in some relationships. Summary: The study highlights friendships as an important source of emotional support and belonging for adolescents with autism, while also noting obstacles some young people face in forming and maintaining relationships. Researchers point to implications for educators, families and mental health stakeholders, and they report further research and consideration of adolescents' social preferences as next steps.