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Expanding a Child's Social Circle

• Find activities your child enjoys.
  By building on your child's strengths, preferences and interests, you can help him make friends with peers who enjoy the same things. Identify and encourage activities that keep your child's attention, bring out the best in her and bring a smile to her face.
• Use resources in your neighborhood.
  Find out what classes or programs are available in your community. Many communities offer a variety of weekend or after-school classes such as swimming, cooking, soccer, horseback riding, yoga, martial arts, theatre, music, dance, or art. Organizations that actively encourage children with disabilities to participate include the YMCA and the Girl Scouts of America. Other community resources include, libraries, parks, and community recreation centers.
• Share information and raise awareness.
  It is useful to share information about your child with teachers and caregivers, especially if they have not had experience with children with disabilities. This informal sharing might include specific information about your child's strengths and preferences as well as strategies that have been successful in the past.
• Encourage a variety of social relationships.
  Create different opportunities for your child to connect with other children. For example, some parents have found afterschool buddies or school bus pals for their children by identifying responsible or interested peers in the neighborhood.

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