Making and Keeping Friends: Support for Adults with Cerebral Palsy
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 others. As a matter of fact, research indicates that people with cerebral palsy are far more likely than those without the condition of the same age to experience anxiety and sadness.
Keeping this in mind, understanding and overcoming the challenges associated with making and keeping friends — both within and outside of the disability community — can exacerbate feelings of melancholy, loneliness, and anxiety. For young people with cerebral palsy or autism, the beneficial effects of friendship and depression may have a profoundly transformative effect on their lives.
Support for Cerebral Palsy and Autism
The purpose of All Friends Network was to provide an online support system for people with developmental disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy may have trouble feeling like they fit in with others as children or young adults. Their physical impairment may be the cause of this, but emotional and communication difficulties are more likely to be the cause. The capacity of a person with cerebral palsy to regulate their muscles can be affected by four main categories of diseases: dyskinesia, ataxia, spasticity, and a combination of many types of cerebral palsy. Although many individuals with cerebral palsy still struggle with friendships and depression, it is the most prevalent motor impairment found in children.
Establishing a secure environment where people with cerebral palsy may interact with others who share their disability and social skill issues can boost self-esteem and create the chance to form and maintain lifetime connections. All Friends Network is a social network for people with developmental disabilities. We aim to assist our members overcome obstacles that could keep them from making friends by providing them with information, support, educational opportunities, and real-world experiences. We aim to give our members the resources and chances they require to acquire the social skills, experience, practice, support, and confidence necessary to form and preserve friendships because we recognize the importance of friendships in the fight against depression.
Making and Keeping Friends
Experts in developmental disabilities identify five main strategies for enhancing social skills. People of all ages, including individuals with cerebral palsy, can benefit from these suggestions. The more you understand about overcoming depression and friendship problems, the simpler it will be to take control and accomplish your objectives. Use our social network for developmental disabilities to connect with people who have similar limitations, difficulties, and aspirations for the future. Members of all ages are given chances, but young adults with cerebral palsy are given priority. Events based on real life are organized to encourage members to interact while taking part in enjoyable activities.
Explore Your Own Interests Spend some time discovering what you want to do, discuss, and share with other people. Whether it’s technology, art, music, sports, or hobbies, engage in things that will allow you to truly explore your own interests. It will provide you with conversation starters and may even help you make friends who share your interests. Perfectionism can be achieved through regular practice. Since nobody is flawless, it’s crucial to keep trying and give it your all. Rehearsing your conversational abilities, such as striking up a discussion or introducing yourself to a stranger, will help you in real life situations where you could make friends.
Other Things You Can Do
Make the Most of Technology: Engage with people using the All Friends Network and AFN Live-LINK services. As long as you’re ready to put these talents to use outside of the computer and aren’t just relying on it, technology can be an excellent tool for learning and practicing new skills. Attend Social Therapy or Training — You may find programs that provide you one-on-one counseling and assistance. Don’t undervalue these services’ advantages.
When possible, get out and socialize with other young people who are autistic or have cerebral palsy. The handicapped community can really pull together to help one another and provide chances to help with despair and companionship. Attend real life events and consider joining a support membership group, such as All Friends Network and the Live-Link Network APP. You might be surprised to learn about all of the benefits associated with socializing and getting to know others within the community.
Contact All Friends Network
Are you interested in learning more about or signing up for All Friends Network? Register on our website, or give our staff a call at 941-587-7172 in our Sarasota, Florida office to speak with them immediately. We are here to help you join our membership program and social network for people with developmental disabilities, as well as to answer any concerns you may have.