A youth-friendly guide to understanding behavior and navigating social interaction
Neurodivergent teens, particularly those with autism or ADHD, can face significant challenges with social interactions and anxiety. Nearly 40% of children and adolescents with autism experience at least one anxiety disorder.¹ Research also shows that social difficulties are very common among children with ADHD and are associated with social anxiety symptoms.²
For some neurodivergent individuals, navigating unspoken social rules can further contribute to anxiety.³ Parents and educators need accessible resources that reinforce these skills beyond therapy or the classroom. The Social Toolkit is a free, structured guide that breaks down social situations into understandable and interactive steps, aiming to make communication more manageable and less stressful for neurodivergent youth.
DPK uses worksheets from The Social Toolkit to help children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, practice social skills.
Currently collaborating with Friendship Circle Bay Area to pilot our resources and gather feedback from participants.
Contact poojashenoy2008@gmail.com if you are interested in implementing The Social Toolkit in your community.
Sources:
van Steensel, Francisca J. A., Susan M. Bögels, and Sean Perrin. “Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis.” Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, vol. 14, no. 3, 2011, pp. 302–317. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3162631/.
Shan, Ying, et al. “Lowered Social Motivation Is Associated with Adolescent Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Social Anxiety Symptoms.” BMC Psychology, vol. 11, 2023, article 389. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10748457/.
Autism Research Institute. “Autism and Anxiety.” Autism Research Institute, https://autism.org/autism-and-anxiety.
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