This is a great idea. My son is high functioning ASD and his best friend is a little girl with a PDD diagnosis. They can really relate better than kids who don't understand.
Quoting blessedhappymom:
What about finding another teenager with aspergers. I read a book, can't remember the title or author, but the author had a weekly group with only aspies and it was to help with friendship making skills and social skills. Try googling something like that in your area.
AWESOME idea. I am in Indiana and we have those groups for teens here!
Quoting blessedhappymom:
What about finding another teenager with aspergers. I read a book, can't remember the title or author, but the author had a weekly group with only aspies and it was to help with friendship making skills and social skills. Try googling something like that in your area.
Quoting amonkeymom:This is a great idea. My son is high functioning ASD and his best friend is a little girl with a PDD diagnosis. They can really relate better than kids who don't understand.
Quoting blessedhappymom:
What about finding another teenager with aspergers. I read a book, can't remember the title or author, but the author had a weekly group with only aspies and it was to help with friendship making skills and social skills. Try googling something like that in your area.
My son is only 11 but was going through similar of being lonely and wanting someone to play with. I put him in everything possible. Church choir and youth group, chess club, baseball, karate...most were free, some reasonably priced. It did take a while, he made social mistakes along the way, but he made two friends! It can't stop there though. You need to help him learn to maintain the friendship without overdoing it. You may need to really play a role in getting him to talk or behave appropriately. You may need to apologize a few times for unacceptable behavior. Look for activists that will draw other kids like your son...good luck!
You might see about "hiring" a teenager who is interested in helping special needs kids. Contact your local school because most of the schools now require community service in order to graduate. Perhaps you could have a student come to your house and interact with your child. When I was in high school, I worked as a mother's helper after school and got this position through the school. I am 69 now so it isn't a recent idea. Your son need not know how you obtained this person.
My grandson is 8 and is just beginning to make friends. He attends a special school so most of his friends are "different" but when he gets angry, filthy words come out. Most parents wouldn't approve of this! However, he is learning to interact with other kids. Thank goodness. GMA Judy
I have been told that shared interests interests is key for children on the spectrum who have difficulty making friends, so see if there is a group available for him to join, even if they are older.
For example if he is really into trains see if there is a historical train restoration group around. Or if he's into comics and card games most comic book stores hold card tournaments on their premises at least twice a month. No, this might not get them on the football team but is can help them to branch out in a field they feel comfortable in. And the more comfortable a ASD kid feels, the more likely he is to talk.
Good luck!
I have to brag! Omg :)
Has your ASD child had swimming lessons?
- tdksmith
on Nov. 21, 2012 at 1:03 AM