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There are certain facets of life when we feel as though we have more in common with people in like circumstances than others. One such are the psychological benefits of forging lifelong connections. Whether or whether you have friends with autism, cerebral palsy, or none at all has no bearing. A common interest can lead…

How people with developmental disabilities are helped and supported has changed a lot over the years, with a big thanks to modern technology and communications. There is still a long way to go, but there are now a lot of online groups, local events, tools, and chances to meet new people. They are likely to…

There are times when all it takes to change your life is one chance to show up. These chances can appear in many ways, including a group activity, an event, a chance meeting, or by being brave and putting yourself out there on your own. You may feel left out of many things that other…

Sometimes it can be scary to think about getting out in the world to make and keep friends, especially if you haven’t done it much before. One way to deal with your problems is to find a safe place where you can talk to people who understand how hard it is to make friends and…

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, at any age friendships can end quickly and can be difficult to establish. When our hobbies grow, change, and get bigger, some connections can fall by the wayside. Some people have a harder time learning how to get along with others than others, even if they…

The majority of people don’t realize that cerebral palsy and autism may have mental and emotional effects on a person and instead see it as merely a physical handicap. Adults with cerebral palsy sometimes also have additional developmental problems, such autism, a social-communication condition that can exacerbate difficulties in forming friendships and expressing feelings to…

Even though most people are usually very social, not everyone knows how to make friends. This is true for everyone, no matter what culture, background, skills, or challenges they have. To make and keep friends, you need to be taught and practice this skill your whole life. Friendship is good for you in many ways…

When it comes to some social skills and abilities, you may have heard the saying “use it or lose it.” This also applies to learning how to resolve problems with friendships and disabilities. It will get easier the more you are able to engage in social interactions, go out there, and work on your social…

It is important to not allow yourself to be down just because you have a developmental disability. It can be encouraging to learn of others who have done great things despite having the same diagnosis. Each child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a different set of symptoms. Depending on the symptoms, the care, goals,…

Funding for this grant was provided by the Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. All Friends Network, a non-profit organization created to help individuals with disabilities create and cultivate long-lasting, meaningful relationships, is honored to announce it has received a grant of $3,600 from the Community Foundation of…