1. Overcome your fears. Mentally challenged people are often extremely loving and kind. They do not have the same inhibitions or judgments that others have, which mean they will be willing to become your friend if you treat them well, and want their friendship as well. So, the only person standing in the way of your friendship with a mentally challenged person is you, and your fears. It is hard to understand the unknown, and thus it is often feared. So, the best way to overcome your fears is to take a few minutes to get to know the person. The odd things about them, their scary habits like hugging strangers, or drooling, will not seem so strange once you learn about their handicap, and get to know them. Knowledge is power. So, learn about it.

2. Plan things for their level. It can be hard to be friends with someone who is mentally challenged because they can't always participate in the same activities that you can. However, this does not mean you have to exclude them from your friendship as a whole. Plan activities they can participate in as well. Go to the movies, go to the pool, or hang out at home in the backyard. The point is, just because they can't do some of the stuff you can do, doesn't mean they can't do anything. So, invite them when it is something that they can do, and don't when it isn't. They will love to be included. It is not your job to make sure they have fun, but as their friend, you should give them the opportunities to have fun.

3. Protecting them. Sometimes it is difficult to have a mentally challenged friend because you see them being mocked, ridiculed, or made fun of by others. Sometimes it is even easy to join in, after all, they do not know what you are saying. However, as a friend, it is your responsibility to protect them from this, and stand up for them. It is probably a scary world for them, and being teased, mistreated, and made fun of is not going to help. When you see it happening, make an effort to put a stop to it. How would you feel if it were you? Ask this question, then respond accordingly.

It can be scary to be friends with mentally challenged people. They often do and say things that are socially abnormal, but it can also really benefit your life, and theirs. It can help you become more caring, understanding, and thoughtful. It can give them a friend, and an ally at school, and while they are out and about.