Time to Get Social

How and where to build community

Social groups are an excellent way for young people to build community and self-confidence. There is great joy in meeting with those who share special interests. But it can be challenging to find the right group—and even costly (there may be funding available for regional center clients). Read on to help kids find social opportunities.

Know Your Child

Before choosing a social activity, consider your child’s personality and interests. What sort of activities has he expressed interest in? If you’re stumped, try imagining where his future friends might be hanging out right now. What activities do you think kids like him would enjoy?

Know Where to Look

There are several inclusive social groups and activities that welcome people of diverse abilities. The trick is knowing where to find them. Flourishing Families is a great place to start. Visit these sections of the magazine for great resources: Music and Art Therapy, Fitness/Yoga and Recreation.

Be sure to also flip to the Social Skills Groups section (p. 75) if you have a child or young adult who could benefit from professional coaching in this area. Learning social skills can help kids connect with others and make friends.

Learn about School Programs

Find out if your child’s school participates in Best Buddies—a program that promotes friendship between people who have Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and those who don’t. Participants enjoy having an automatic “in” at school social events like dances and football games, in addition to more friendly faces around campus.

Another excellent school-based program is Circle of Friends, which promotes inclusive groups of 2-3 students, creating peer connections for students who are socially isolated because of disability or other challenges. Students enjoy advisor-led

group activities as they get to know each other, then commit to weekly lunches together for the rest of the school year. This is a great way to form genuine friendships!

Consider a Mix of Inclusive and Special Programs

Some of the best groups strive to provide inclusive programming— connecting children with special needs to their typically developing peers. However, kids with special needs can also benefit from spaces that are just for them.

“Ultimately, inclusion is amazing and necessary, but individuals with disabilities also need each other,” says Cathy Breen, founder of Stay Social (see next page). “All of us relate to and have the closest bonds with those who share similarities both in our interests and struggles.” v

Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer. She lives in Santee with her husband and two sons.