# Making Authentic Friendships vs Autistic Empathy

The clearest difference is rating: Autistic Empathy at 4.1 against Making Authentic Friendships's 2.9. Autistic Empathy also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5). Making Authentic Friendships's advantage is review sentiment (34% vs 6%) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Making Authentic Friendships sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Autistic Empathy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Autistic Empathy holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 68 and 48 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 34% of Making Authentic Friendships's written reviews are positive against 6% of Autistic Empathy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Making Authentic Friendships ships an update every 4 weeks, Autistic Empathy every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Making Authentic Friendships | Autistic Empathy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (68 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/making-authentic-friendships/id1538026980/reviews) | **[4.1 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autistic-empathy/id1623833563/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **68** | 48 |
| Positive reviews | **34.1% of reviews** | 6.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 56 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Juliana Fetherman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1538026982) | [Action for Neurodiversity](https://appshunter.io/developer/1623833565) |

## What reviewers say

### Making Authentic Friendships

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/making-authentic-friendships/id1538026980)

This social network connects individuals with special needs and their families. It provides a safe and supportive space for users to build meaningful connections and find community.

**Highlights:** Connect with special needs individuals, Connect with loved ones, Build meaningful connections, Find community, Supportive environment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Member Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Member Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| 10 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 20 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 50 Coins | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps make authentic friendships
- 👍 Positive impact on confidence and happiness
- 👍 Creates a sense of belonging
- 👍 Supports users with neurodivergence
- 👍 Helpful for making connections

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive subscription model
- 💸 Misleading free trial claims
- 💸 Charges users with limited income
- 💸 App is not free
- 💸 Predatory pricing

**Reported bugs**

- App takes a long time to load
- App is slow and buggy
- App freezes after login
- Cannot exit subscription screen
- Charged after canceling free trial

**Requested features**

- Allow users to set age filters
- Improve friend suggestion intelligence
- Add more descriptors for cognitive abilities/challenges
- Offer a version for younger teens (11-16)
- Expand filters for interests and locations


### Autistic Empathy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autistic-empathy/id1623833563)

This app connects individuals aged 18+ who identify as autistic or Asperger's with like-minded people for dating or friendship. It aims to provide a more understanding and direct approach to forming connections, bypassing the complexities of mainstream social apps. Managed by autism specialists, it offers support and advice for members.

**Highlights:** Dating and friendship connections, For autistic and Asperger's individuals, Direct communication style, Managed by autism specialists, Helpline support, Dating and friendship advice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Making Authentic Friendships free?

Making Authentic Friendships is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Autistic Empathy free?

Autistic Empathy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Making Authentic Friendships or Autistic Empathy?

Autistic Empathy is rated higher. Making Authentic Friendships averages 2.9 out of 5 from 68 ratings, while Autistic Empathy averages 4.1 from 48 ratings.

### Do Making Authentic Friendships or Autistic Empathy have ads?

Neither Making Authentic Friendships nor Autistic Empathy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Making Authentic Friendships or Autistic Empathy?

Making Authentic Friendships ships an update every 4 weeks, and Autistic Empathy every 2 months. Most recently, Making Authentic Friendships was updated on November 3, 2026 and Autistic Empathy on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*