Difficulty in making friends for a child with developmental disabilities may lead to which of the following?

Difficulty in making friends for a child with developmental disabilities can often lead to social anxiety. This stems from the challenges they may face in social interactions, understanding social cues, and developing relationships. When children experience repeated instances of awkwardness or rejection, they may become apprehensive about engaging with others. This heightened sense of anxiety can then become a barrier, preventing them from pursuing social opportunities and exacerbating feelings of loneliness or isolation.

The struggle to connect with peers can create a cycle where the fear of negative social experiences inhibits the child’s willingness to interact, which in turn lowers their chances of forming friendships. As a result, they may find themselves increasingly anxious in social situations, leading to avoidance behaviors and further difficulties in building social connections. Understanding this link between friendship challenges and social anxiety is crucial for providing support and interventions that can help a child navigate social interactions more successfully.