Beating the Odds: Why Friendships Make Us Stronger

A significant number of individuals with developmental disabilities report that overcoming obstacles in establishing and maintaining friendships is among their most challenging experiences. When people attend activities that unite those of a similar age or background, many people find it easy to quickly become friends with those individuals. Friendships that last a lifetime are often formed via real-life interactions, such going on field trips to local attractions, having pizza parties, or attending sporting events. In order to meet the needs of our members, All Friends Network is always improving and expanding our program, which gives our members access to a wide variety of services and possibilities. By utilizing our online support network, the Live-LINK APP, and other state-of-the-art tools, you have the opportunity to enhance your current abilities and acquire new ones.

Making friends and maintaining connections over the long term can be difficult for people with autism or cerebral palsy, two of the most prevalent types of developmental disabilities. In order to build a successful life as a young adult, these qualities are crucial, especially if living alone is the main goal. The most challenging part of life with cerebral palsy, for many people, is learning how to engage with others and maintaining friendships over the long term. The physical limitations caused by cerebral palsy are just one of many difficulties that persons with the disorder encounter. Desiring to blend in with the crowd, to spend time with friends, to participate in activities, and to attend group events is a commendable goal that can lead to many additional advantages.

Overcoming a Developmental Disability

We aim to provide our members with the basic information and skills they need to develop the capacity to make and keep friends through our online support network. The ability to communicate well with people, express yourself clearly, initiate discussions that benefit both sides, and create rapport with others is a skill that will serve you well in many areas of life. The ability to communicate effectively with others is fundamental for many aspects of life, including finding gainful employment, becoming a member of an organization’s club or program, and being actively involved in your neighborhood. Several studies have found that a person’s propensity to struggle with friendships and depression is correlated with their level of social activity. Our everyday lives, both in terms of who we are and what we own, may be enhanced by the self-assurance and encouragement that arise from these ties.

For someone living with a physical or developmental disability, maintaining strong connections that are equally supportive is even more important. These connections allow us to connect with someone who gets us and will always be there for us, when we need someone to talk to. When we have friends who understand us — our background, our interests, and even our struggles, such mental or physical disabilities — we feel even more supported. Many studies have shown that this is crucial to our emotional and mental health. We chose to create an online support group called All Friends Network in response to the challenges that people with disabilities may face while trying to keep friendships. Engaging in a chat with someone online or through a social network such as Live-LINK may often help alleviate difficulties, particularly when faced with difficult situations.

Learn How to Make Friends for Life

Gathering in a big group or sticking to a rigid schedule aren’t requirements for genuine friendship. Things that may be done simply and don’t need a lot of planning in advance include going for a short walk in the park, grabbing a cup of coffee, or even going to the mall. Friends and family may be able to help you get out more if you’re physically limited. The correlation between having a friend and experiencing less depression is obvious, whether the friend provides verbal or physical assistance in getting from A to B. If you would like more information about the many programs, events, and opportunities that All Friends Network provides, you may contact a member of our staff at 941-587-7172. If you have any questions, we can answer them, and we can also assist you join our membership program and use our Live-LINK social network service to go online.