Learn to Develop Friendships: Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy
If you have a developmental disability like cerebral palsy or autism, it might be difficult to find places to socialize and make friends. The older you are, especially after high school, the more difficult it becomes. Almost everyone, regardless of skill level, can attest to this being true. The goal of the All Friends Network, which includes groups for people with cerebral palsy and autism, is to get people with developmental impairments involved in social activities, both online and off. Members-only Live-LINK provides a secure environment for connecting with others who understand your struggles and share your desire for friendship. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects that engaging in social activities may have on the quality of life for people with developmental difficulties.
Where to Meet New Friends
There are a few reasons why children have an easier time making friends among adults. Among these advantages is that they have never faced the kind of rejection that might come from others who just don’t see why they’re different and choose to treat them as a result. One reason is that they frequently participate in group activities where they are likely to meet people who share their interests.
Common interests, hobbies, histories, or even professional pursuits are the cornerstones of many friendships. So it is common to hear references to one’s “school friends,” “work friends,” “sports friends,” “church friends,” and “other friends” from a variety of settings and occasions based on shared interests. People who share an interest in comic books, video games, sports, or a certain religion are more likely to get along during a convention or event.
Local Social Events for Developmentally Disabled Young Adults
The hardest aspect of trying to develop lasting connections is figuring out how to build off that common ground. Expanding on the connection that was created during the initial spark of friendship requires nurturing and extending it, possibly via conversing online, over the phone, meeting in person, or attending other social events. Every member of All Friends Network has the chance to expand their social circle. Our members have access to a variety of tools, including online conversations, our Live-LINK social app, in-person events, and curated content geared toward honing their social skills. AFN’s goal is to assist persons of all ages who have developmental challenges in establishing meaningful connections.
Recent estimates place the number of Americans with disabilities at about 61 million, or roughly one in four of the population. Unfortunately, many of those persons either experience or perceive exclusion from community activities, jobs, and social connections. However, research shows that advocating for the benefits of social interaction for people with developmental impairments is worthwhile. Why shouldn’t you have the same opportunities as everyone else to take part in the things that make life worth living? People with disabilities should be actively encouraged to take part in their communities by providing them with access to resources and opportunities.
Learn to Develop Friendships at AFN
Whether it’s here at All Friends Network or back in your own neighborhood, becoming involved in your community can do wonders for your sense of belonging and self-esteem. Achieving your objectives is greatly facilitated by having the freedom to choose and select the activities you partake in and the people you associate with. We want to make sure that the members of our cerebral palsy and autism buddies network have access to the tools they need to experience the advantages of social activities for themselves.
Spending effort making new acquaintances is a great way to increase your happiness and activity level, whether you are still living at home or are newly independent. Please visit our website or call 941-587-7172 to speak with a team member about what AFN has to offer. If you have any concerns regarding our membership requirements or the activities and resources we offer both in person and online, please feel free to contact us.