God’s children are a unique, diverse tapestry who bear His Image on the earth. Some of our differences are harder to recognize than others. With the rate of neurodiverse diagnoses rising among children, it’s likely that your girl has a friend who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While her friend’s social skills might differ from the norm, the need for love, acceptance, and care is the same as anyone’s.  

It is estimated that about half of those with autism will navigate depression in their lives. Knowing this, seek to educate your girl on her friend’s specific way of experiencing and interacting with the world around her. This can help cultivate empathy in their communication. Children tend to have open hearts toward others, so your guidance will yield a healthy friendship between the girls. 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: