Why Autistic and ADHD Kids Thrive with Other Neurodivergent Friends — And How Our Summer Camps Help

If you’ve ever watched your child light up around certain peers, you know that not all social interactions are created equal. For many neurodivergent children—especially autistic and ADHD kids—their first meaningful friendships often bloom with other neurodivergent kids. And that’s not a coincidence.

Research continues to show that neurodivergent children form deeper, more authentic connections with peers who share similar ways of thinking, playing, and communicating. It’s not about “fixing” social skills—it’s about finding the right environment that celebrates and supports who they already are.

The Science Behind Neurodivergent Friendships

Studies have found that when autistic kids interact with other autistic peers, their social behavior looks remarkably different. There's more back-and-forth, more shared joy, and fewer misunderstandings. One reason? Shared communication styles and sensory preferences often mean less pressure to mask or perform.

This phenomenon has been referred to as the double empathy problem—the idea that social disconnects between autistic and non-autistic people aren’t due to a lack of empathy in autistic kids, but rather a mismatch in communication and understanding between both parties.

In other words: your child isn’t “bad at making friends”—they just haven’t always been given the right opportunity with the right people.

Creating Safe Spaces for Real Connection

At our neurodiversity-affirming summer camps, we build exactly that kind of opportunity.

We don’t force eye contact. We don’t push “neurotypical” play. We don’t ask kids to be someone they’re not.

Instead, we create an environment where stimming is welcome, movement is embraced, and kids are free to be themselves. From sensory-friendly activities to interest-based group play, everything we do is built around how autistic and ADHD kids actually connect, not how others expect them to.

Let This Be the Summer They Find Their People

If you’re looking for a camp that truly gets it—a place where your child doesn’t have to “fit in” because they already belong—you’re in the right place.

Spots are limited, and our neurodivergent-friendly groups fill up fast.

Learn more and sign up for our summer camps today.

Let’s build real connection together—one joyful, neurodivergent friendship at a time.