Autism Social Skills Workbook for Teens

Social situations don’t have to feel like a test you never studied for. 💬

Lots of autistic teens find the social world confusing and exhausting. The unwritten rules nobody explains, conversations that seem to change direction without warning, friendships that feel hard to read, and the energy it takes to mask and fit in can all add up. If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone, and social skills really can be learned, just like any other skill.

The Social Skills Workbook is a calm, neurodiversity-affirming therapy workbook for autistic teens. It starts with understanding and celebrating how the autistic brain works, then builds practical, everyday skills for conversations, friendships, conflict and speaking up for yourself. Teens can work through it on their own, with a therapist or with a trusted adult, at their own pace.

WHAT’S INSIDE (19 pages):
🧠 Understanding Myself – What Is Autism?, The Strengths of the Autistic Brain, Myths About Autism, Understanding Masking
🧩 The Social World – Understanding Social Rules, Reading Body Language
💬 Conversations – Starting and Keeping Conversations, Conversation Practice scenarios
🤝 Relationships – Building and Keeping Friendships, including red flags to watch for, and Navigating Conflict step by step
💗 Feelings and Senses – Understanding My Emotions, Sensory Sensitivities and Social Situations
📣 Speaking Up – Self-Advocacy and Asking for Help
📓 Reflect and Track – Weekly Social Skills Tracker, My Social Skills Reflection, My Social Coping Toolkit
🌟 You’ve Got This! – a closing note to remind teens of their strengths

HOW IT HELPS:
✔ Strengths first: teens learn about their autistic strengths, not just their challenges
✔ Explains the “unwritten rules” clearly and logically, without asking anyone to change who they are
✔ Real-life scenarios to practise conversations in a safe, low-pressure way
✔ Helps teens spot healthy friendships and red flags
✔ A simple step-by-step approach to handling disagreements calmly
✔ Builds the confidence and words to ask for help and adjustments
✔ A weekly tracker that celebrates progress, not perfection

PERFECT FOR:

• Autistic teens, with or without a diagnosis, who find social situations confusing or tiring

• Teens with ADHD, social anxiety or sensory differences

• Parents and carers looking for a positive way to talk about social skills

• SENCos, ELSAs, therapists, counsellors, mentors and youth workers

WHAT YOU GET:

• 1 printable PDF file, 19 pages, Letter size

• Prints on A4 too: just choose “Fit to page” in your print settings

• Print the tracker, reflection and practice pages as many times as you like

• Instant digital download, so no physical item will be posted

PLEASE NOTE
This workbook is for information and support. It does not replace individual advice or therapy from a qualified professional. If a young person is struggling with their mental health, please speak to your GP, CAMHS or school.
© 2026 The SEN Advocate. For personal and educational use only. Not for resale or redistribution.