Florida's First Choice for Autism Supports

B1D: Friends “Make You Feel Way Better”: Learning from the Experiential Knowledge of Adolescents with ASD

January 17, 2026 9:45am 11:00am Legacy North 1

AbstractAdolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties with social skills, including social reciprocity and conversation abilities, affecting their ability to form meaningful friendships. Research shows they often have lower-quality friendships, characterized by surface-level connections, compared to neurotypical peers. This presentation reviews findings from a phenomenological study that explored the social experiences of eight adolescents with ASD. The presenter will share four Group Experiential Themes identified through semi-structured interviews. These insights can inform the development of effective social skills interventions and programs to enhance the quality of life for individuals with ASD.
Objectives1. Recognize how social skill challenges impact the friendships and social experiences of adolescents with ASD.
2. Evaluate the four Group Experiential Themes and apply these insights to future research and social skills development programs for adolescents with ASD.
3. Develop strategies for designing effective interventions that foster deeper, more meaningful social connections for individuals with ASD.
Communication Education Health & Wellness Mental Health Social Skills

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