Friendship Skills for Adults with ADHD and Autism: Tips from Caroline Maguire

Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. Discover the journey to authentic and fulfilling friendships as an adult—especially for those with ADHD and autism. In this episode, hosts Dr. Christine Li and ADHD coach Caroline Maguire explore the challenges and triumphs of making friends when you're neurodivergent or newly diagnosed. They discuss overcoming shame, letting go of unhealthy expectations, and embracing your true self, along with practical strategies for building meaningful connections at every stage of life. Whether you're seeking to grow your social circles or simply feel more comfortable in your own skin, this empowering conversation offers inspiration and actionable tips for finding and maintaining authentic relationships. Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., ACCG, PCC is an internationally recognized expert in social-emotional learning, ADHD coaching, and relationship development. She is the author of the award-winning book, Why Will No One Play with Me? and FRIENDSHIP SKILLS FOR NEURODIVERGENT ADULTS (Balance Books, April 2026), and hosts The ADHD Social Playbook podcast. An educator, coach, and sought-after speaker, Caroline developed a comprehensive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training methodology that equips parents, clinicians, and educators with practical tools to build self-awareness, emotional regulation, social understanding, and meaningful relationships. As a neurodivergent person with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Christine Li introduces episode and guest Caroline Maguire 00:01:13 Caroline Maguire’s credentials and expertise highlighted 00:03:18 Start of interview, focus on books and friendship 00:04:29 Caroline Maguire’s coaching journey and identifying friendship struggles 00:06:15 Discussion on neurodivergence diagnoses in adulthood 00:07:35 Caroline Maguire shares her personal friendship challenges 00:09:53 Path to authenticity and shifting friendships over life stages 00:12:09 The impact of shame and fitting in, especially for women 00:14:39 On masking, adapting, and burnout 00:17:02 Mental health impacts of masking and people-pleasing 00:20:37 Importance of authenticity and not shrinking oneself 00:23:35 Defining and pursuing personal goals 00:25:14 Positive outcomes from self-acceptance and authenticity 00:28:15 Trends and new opportunities in making friends post-COVID 00:31:26 Recent low-stakes ways to connect (ex: mahjong) 00:32:34 Loss of “third place”; hopes for new community spaces 00:34:26 Caroline Maguire’s resources and book mentioned 00:36:27 Closing encouragement: change is always possible 00:37:08 Dr. Christine Li closes episode To get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/friendship To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Us! Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP Caroline Maguire Website: https://carolinemaguireauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolineM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolinem/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCarolineM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorcarolinem YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorcarolinem Podcast: https://adhdsocialplaybook.podbean.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorcarolinecm/