Explaining your needs to friends and family
Simple ways to explain what you need to the people close to you, from leaving parties early to preferring texts, plus why misunderstandings go both ways.
Topic
Relationships & Communication
Communication works best when both sides understand each other's preferences. These resources include cards, scripts and ideas for times when speaking feels difficult.
Articles
Making and keeping friends as an autistic adult
What research says about autistic friendship, where to find your people, and low-pressure ways to stay in touch that don't drain you.
Masking: what it is and what it costs
Many autistic people hide or adjust who they are to get through the day. Here's what masking looks like, why people do it, and what it can cost.
Free resources
Communication cards
Choose or write short messages, print them as wallet cards, or show them full screen on your phone.
How to communicate with me
A one-page guide to your communication preferences, to share with friends, family or colleagues.
Scripts library
Ready-to-use words for saying no, leaving early, small talk, work, repairing after conflict and more.
Meltdown and shutdown plan
Your early signs, what helps during and after, and what others should and shouldn't do. Printable and shareable.