How to Encourage a Sensory Sensitive Child to Make Friends

If your child has Sensory Integration Dysfunction, or Sensory Defensiveness, here are some ways to help him make friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Encourage a Sensory Sensitive Child to Make Friends

1. If your child suffers from a form of autism, such as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, he probably has a hard time making friends. Here is how to help your child develop friendships.
   
   First, talk to the other child, if it’s appropriate. Find time to explain that your child is extra sensitive to things that you and I don’t even notice. Say, “My son is able to feel things in a really strong way that you and I don’t feel. So, we may not understand why he doesn’t like being touched or bumped, but we can try not to do those things.”
2. Second, make sure the children have something to do that they are both good at. Pick an activity your child is used to playing so he’s confident when playing with someone new.
3. Third, control the environment as much as possible. Don’t let the running and screaming get out of control. This will only push your child further away from the other children because he is scared.
4. Fourth, explain how to take turns picking an activity. Tell the children that if they play what your child wants to play first, then they can pick an activity. This will allow your child to build confidence and the will to keep playing with the children.
5. Fifth, compliment all of the children on the good things they are doing while playing. “Good job, Matt, for sharing your truck.” “Thank you, Claire, for telling the others when you were going to turn the lights off.” Saying positive things will help them continue the good behavior.