{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Why Overusing the Word \u201cFriend\u201d Can Hurt Autistic and ADHD Children","description":"We use the word friend all the time\u2014at school, at home, on the playground. \u201cLine up, friends.\u201d \u201cWe don\u2019t hit our friends.\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s my friend from work.\u201d It sounds warm and inclusive, and it\u2019s almost always said with good intentions. But for many autistic and ADHD children, language is taken literally. When we tell them everyone is their friend, they believe us. And then they expect those people to act like friends\u2014to include them, play with them, and treat them kindly. When that doesn\u2019t happen, the confusion can turn into hurt, self-blame, anxiety, and even depression. In this episode, I break down why overusing the word friend can be especially harmful for neurodivergent children\u2014and how it can unintentionally teach them to ignore their own experiences or accept mistreatment. I share real-life examples from classrooms, playgrounds, and therapy spaces, including what happens when a child asks, \u201cAre you my friend?\u201d and the answer doesn\u2019t match the actions. We\u2019ll talk about: *Why autistic and ADHD children often take friendship language literally *How some children are bullied through \u201cpretend friendship.\u201d *Why teaching actions of a friend is more helpful than using labels *How to help children notice when friendship behaviors change and know who to go to for help *A simple visual circles model that teaches self-friendship, boundaries, and different levels of connection *Why we need to be cautious with questions like \u201cWho\u2019s your best friend?\u201d *How society\u2019s message that \u201cmore friends = more value\u201d can deeply harm neurodivergent kids *And why being a good friend to yourself is just as important as having friends around you I also share examples from my own adult friendships to show that real friendship doesn\u2019t look one way\u2014and that closeness, frequency, and intensity can all vary and still be meaningful. If you\u2019re a parent, educator, or mental health professional supporting autistic or ADHD children, this episode offers a compassionate reframe and practical language shifts that can reduce confusion, protect emotional safety, and support healthier relationships. Because being precise with our language doesn\u2019t make kids less kind\u2014it makes them safer. And safety is where real connection begins. \ud83c\udfa7 If you find this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a parent, therapist or teacher, and leaving a 5-star review so more people can find the podcast. The more people we can reach, the more neurodivergent children we can help:)  \ud83e\udd41\ud83e\udd41\ud83e\udd41\ud83e\udd41 MORE Great information for you!  The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: \ud83d\udcda Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers \ud83c\udfa8 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage\u2014not just survive \ud83e\udde0 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life\u2014organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs \ud83e\udd1d Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches \ud83d\udc9a Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: \u2705 An example of each accommodation \u2705 3 detailed cases along with accommodations \u2705 Tips on how to identify areas of need \u2705 Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 \u27a1\ufe0f Parents click here \u27a1\ufe0f Therapists click here \u27a1\ufe0f Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) \u2b07\ufe0f \ud83c\udf1f Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here \u2b50\ufe0f Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION  Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here \u2b50\ufe0f Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A  Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses  \u2764\ufe0f You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:)  Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals  Subscribe, Support & Share \ud83d\udcf1 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook \ud83d\udcfa Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.   ","author_name":"THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST","author_url":"http:\/\/www.hollyblancmoses.com\/","html":"