Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or an intellectual disability, can benefit from developing social and emotional competencies in the home environment. To foster friendships and social opportunities, here are some approaches parents can take:
Creating Welcoming Environments: Developing Communities
Having social connections and friendships is an important part of life, giving individuals a sense of community and belonging. However, when someone has a neurodevelopmental disability, it can sometimes be difficult for them to create meaningful relationships and take part in social activities.
Parents, caregivers, and other involved parties can create supportive and inclusive environments, and help those with neurodiverse abilities to develop the social and emotional skills needed to strengthen their social connections. Here are some tips and strategies to help:
Developing Skills for Social Situations: Strategies for Practicing at Home
Developing social skills and building friendships can be practiced with kids at home. Navigating social settings requires numerous abilities which can be honed in the home environment.
Greeting and conversing is a great ways to practice good communication. Model proper listening for your child and take turns asking and responding to questions such as, "How are you?" Make this a daily habit and set an example for your child.
Helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities maintain a calm body can be challenging. Encourage them to practice keeping their body within arm's-length of others, providing enough room, and creating personal space.
Making eye contact can be a challenge, so help your child by looking at different parts of your face or by practicing in the mirror.
Assisting kids who are neurodiverse in perceiving social signals can be challenging. Through verbal questioning, help your child recognize the variety of methods of communication we use beyond words - such as body language and facial expressions. Encourage them to observe and interpret these social signals.
Encouraging positive interactions and aiding in the development of social skills so children can form meaningful friendships are beneficial outcomes of redirecting difficult behaviors.
Challenging behaviors can interfere with building and maintaining friendships. It is essential to address these behaviors, such as impulsivity and aggression, through therapies and programming. Additionally, strengthening fundamental skills can help decrease these behaviors.
Practicing patience is an essential social skill. Timers can be used to help develop this skill, starting with 10 seconds and gradually increasing the time to one minute and then five minutes.
Help your child make compromises by modeling flexible play. Using first/then statements like, "First we play your way, then my way," can show them how to be flexible. Introducing new toys can also help redirect play and evolve it into something new.
Expressing intense emotions can be challenging. Utilize effective methods such as requesting assistance, employing an emotions board, or taking a break to manage these powerful feelings.
How To Cast a Wide Social Net.
Creating social opportunities is a vital component of fostering friendships and social connections for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. Social spaces provide chances for youngsters who are neurodiverse to discover activities they appreciate. They can exercise the social and emotional capabilities they are understanding and even meet other youngsters honing these very same abilities.
Organize and structure play dates by creating a list of activities to do with a friend and, using a hat to determine the order. Ensure the environment is ready for the play date beforehand.
Compile a roster of enjoyable activities and invite others to partake. Research free and budget-friendly programs or occurrences happening in the vicinity.
Connecting with other parents of children with disabilities can provide an opportunity for your children to have socially planned activities, such as an ice cream date, a walk, or a game night. These interactions can lead to further social engagements.
Explore organizations in the local area that help children with disabilities, such as Special Olympics and Unified Sports programs that create inclusive atmospheres.
Explore recreational activities facilitated by teachers, such as Lego clubs or pizza parties. If necessary, consider bringing a support person.
Your child's physician or educator may offer further local or online aids designed to assist parents in fostering friendships for kids with neurodiverse abilities.
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