How to be a kind friend

If your friend is autistic, you do not need to fix them. You need to be easier to be around.

Ask before you hug, tickle, or take a toy. Wait after you ask a question. Do not make them look at your eyes. If they have a favourite thing, let them tell you about it. You do not have to pretend to be an expert. You do have to take it seriously.

If they leave a game, they may come back. Do not follow them into their quiet unless they ask. Being left out on purpose is unkind. Needing a break is not leaving you.