For parents of neurodivergent kids
When your child wants friends but connecting still feels hard
A 27-minute mini-course for parents on the four foundations that come first, before friendship skills stick.
For a social and emotional developmental age of 5 to 15
$17Mini-course
Get Friendship Foundations™ for $17My happiness guarantee lasts 365 days.
Sound familiar?
- You’ve tried playdates, scripts and “just say hi.”
- Your child says the “right” words, and it still doesn’t click.
- You’re not sure when to encourage or step back.
- You worry your child feels alone at recess.
You’re not alone, and this mini-course shows you what to focus on first.
Why I start with the foundation
Every friendship skill, from joining in play to working through a conflict, grows from four emotional foundations.Connection comes first and skills come after. Scripts, playdates and practicing how to join in all matter, and they stick so much better once these four are in place.
- Trust Before Teaching
- Growth & Mastery Cycle
- Shared Joy
- Sense of Belonging
In this mini-course I walk you through each one, so you can see where your child is right now and which foundation to focus on first.
Watch the 1-minute intro.
What’s Inside
Trust Before TeachingWhy social skills take root once your child feels safe, seen and supported, plus simple phrases like “Tell me more” and “I believe you” that invite connection in hard moments.
Growth & Mastery CycleHow kids grow in cycles of stretching and settling, so you know when to encourage something new and when to let a skill settle in until it feels like no big deal.
Shared JoyHow “twinkle in the eyes” moments and big belly laughs strengthen connection, and how to help those moments last a little longer.
Sense of BelongingHow to help your child find their people, whether they connect best in group play or quiet one‑on‑one time.- 6 short video lessons that add up to 27 minutesWatch them in one sitting or over a few days, then try the mini-steps with your child this week.
Two bonuses, free with your order
Parent Print PackA page for each foundation with questions to reflect on, a big ideas page and cut-out reminder cards you can print or save as your phone wallpaper.
In-the-Moment GuideWhat to say to your child and what to tell yourself in four everyday moments, like when emotions are high and before and after social time.
What Parents Are Saying
“Over the past few weeks, I have made a deliberate effort to build trust with him, as recommended in one of your classes, and it is helping.”Parent of an 11 year old
“This framework takes my anxiety and stress away so I can help my kids with the challenges they experience socially.”Parent of a 10 and 13 year old
“Noriko’s advice was a game changer. Our son went from being one of the ‘more difficult’ kiddos to being one of the ‘more emotionally mature’ kids in his class.”Parent coaching client
My happiness guarantee lasts 365 days.
Hi, I'm Noriko
“After 30+ years, this is where I start with every family.”
Noriko Abenojar, MSW PPS · The Friendship Coach. I’ve spent 30+ years supporting neurodivergent families, including at my Social and Cognitive Learning Center in Davis, California. I always tell parents that when in doubt, you never go wrong putting trust and connection first.
If Friendship Foundations™ doesn’t give you the clarity you’re looking for, just email me within 365 days and I’ll give you a full refund.
Common Questions
What age is this for?
It’s for parents of kids whose social and emotional developmental age is 5 to 15. The lessons focus on the foundation underneath friendship, so they fit across that whole range.
Will this help my child make friends?
These foundations help friendships grow by giving your child a safe and joyful base to practice from. Every child moves at their own pace, and the course shows you where to start.
How long is it?
There are 6 short lessons that add up to 27 minutes. Watch them in one sitting or spread them over a few days, and you keep lifetime access.
Is this just for kids with autism or ADHD?
Many of the kids I work with have autism, ADHD, anxiety or sensory differences, and these foundations apply to any child who finds friendships hard.
What if I’ve already tried a lot?
Most parents who find me have tried playdates, social skills groups and plenty of advice, and that effort counts. This course shows you the foundation underneath all of it, so the skills you’ve been practicing have something to hold onto.
Your order
Friendship Foundations™
$17 · one-time payment
- 6 short video lessons for parents, 27 minutes total
- The 4 foundations of Trust, Growth & Mastery, Shared Joy and Belonging
- Parent Print Pack bonus, a printable PDF
- In-the-Moment Guide bonus, a printable PDF
- Lifetime access
See what has to come first, starting today.
Covered by my 100% happiness guarantee for 365 days.