For children who struggle with friendship—including autistic children. Identify unhelpful social habits and practice the give-and-take that friendship needs.
Follow Riley through everyday social situations, then turn the lesson into something a child can say and do.
For parents, caregivers, and educators teaching everyday friendship skills.
A child needs more than reassurance when a habit repeatedly pushes peers away. Notice the behavior, explain its effect, model a better response, and practice again.
What to do when you aren’t invited
A starting point for talking with children about not being included, different preferences, and friendships that go both ways.
Read together, pause to discuss Riley’s choices, and connect the story to situations your child recognizes.
A Hands-On Workbook for Building Better Habits and Making Friends
Illustrated situations, questions, role-play, and an answer guide help children practice conversation turns, personal space, joining games, respecting “no,” and reading social cues.
Use a page or two at a time with an adult who can model the skill and give specific feedback.
Opens an Amazon title-and-author search. Availability and formats appear on Amazon.Use a simple starting formula: related response + quick question.
Then wait and listen. The point is an exchange, with room for both children to contribute.
Shown: a conversation activity from the workbook’s project materials.
Which response gives Ava a turn?
No sign-up required. A newly written companion exercise for home practice.
Respecting a child does not mean leaving unhelpful social habits unaddressed. This series takes a skills-first approach: honest feedback, concrete replacement behaviors, and repeated practice. The focus is reciprocal friendship—listening, boundaries, flexibility, and shared interests.
“You interrupted Ava before she finished.” Give honest feedback about the action the child can change.
“Wait for her to finish. Then say one related sentence and ask her a question.” Show it, then switch roles.
Rehearse in a calm moment. Recognize the specific improvement when the child leaves room for someone else.
No. Friendship depends on both people. These books give adults and children concrete behaviors to discuss and practice; they do not guarantee acceptance or a particular result.
Adults can adapt the pace, wording, and practice to the individual child. The focus is on useful participation and reciprocal behavior, with respect for communication and sensory needs. These books are educational resources, not a diagnostic tool or a treatment program.
No. Trying a safe game that is not your favorite is different from accepting danger, threats, or hurtful treatment. Children should seek adult help when there is danger or bullying.
Read the story and discuss its choices. Then select a related workbook activity, model the response, and practice it together. Keep sessions short enough for useful attention and feedback.
Arianna Andersen, Ph.D., is the author of Not Everyone Likes Pizza and Social Skills Boot Camp.
SOCIAL SKILLS RULES • FREE COMPANION PRACTICE
The formula: related response + quick question. Listen to the answer before you speak again.
My related response:
My quick question:
My related response:
My quick question:
Switch roles. Did you stay on topic? Did you wait for the answer? Did both people have a turn?
Adult example: “I like drawing cats. What animals do you like to draw?” Accept other relevant responses and questions.
Original companion activity • Arianna Andersen’s Social Skills Rules books
Explore the Social Skills Rules books by Arianna Andersen on Amazon.