News/Blog

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…

Initially, forming and sustaining friendships may seem a little scary, particularly if you lack prior expertise in this area or have had problems making friends. One way to face your anxieties is to find a space where you can be vulnerable with others who understand your worries and fears about making friends while facing comparable…

It can be difficult for many people to make new friends and stay in touch with those they currently have. Conversely, those with developmental disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy have more challenges. When you have a solid network of friends, you can rely on them to support you through all of life’s highs…

Everyone wants to live their best life and make a difference in the world, including those with cerebral palsy. Most people would prefer that others not focus solely on their disability and instead focus on the things that they are interested in or the things that they do. The average person would want admiration for…

Children have many chances to engage in structured activities that allow them to socialize with others their own age. Finding a group of people who you connect well with while you’re young is usually easier, whether it be via school, church, sports, or a pastime. It is far more uncommon and challenging to get such…

Thank you for being a valued supporter of All Friends Network. Your support has been vital to the success of our organization. We are excited to present to you the major achievements we accomplished in 2023 and our plans for 2024. We have included a synopsis of All Friends Network’s accomplishments and triumphs in 2023…

Introduction: The Power of Your Support In an era where connection and community have never been more vital, the Giving Challenge presents a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference. For organizations like All Friends Network, this 24-hour online giving event is not just about raising funds; it’s about strengthening the bonds of community and…

Introduction: The Essence of the Giving Challenge The Giving Challenge stands as a beacon of hope and generosity, a 24-hour event that empowers individuals and communities to support local nonprofits. It’s a time when every contribution, no matter its size, can significantly impact lives. This article delves into how the Giving Challenge offers a unique…

If you had trouble making friends as a child and think that your autism held you back, that doesn’t mean it will always be that way. Even if you are an adult, you can still learn how to make friends and improve your social skills. People with autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental challenges can…

The internet is an incredible and lovely place that provides people from all walks of life with many opportunity to connect with like-minded people and form enduring connections. But mastering social skills on a computer or smartphone is one thing; using those strategies in real-world situations is quite another. Avoid getting into a routine where…

When someone has a disability – either physical, developmental, or a combination of both, they may not think they will ever be able to live on their own. While this may have been true many years ago in the past, it is possible today thanks to progress in technology and programs created for people with…

In life, there are certain things that unite us more than others. Certainly one of the psychological advantages of maintaining long-term friendships is enjoying a connection with another person who shares at least some of your same interests. Even the most introverted person craves to have at least one person that understands them and appreciates…

No matter who you are or where you come from, you need to learn how to make new friends. Having an online group of people you can talk to and get support from is a great way to get through tough times. Studies on relationship and sadness have shown how important it is to learn…

If you want to learn how to make and keep friends for life, you need to change the way you think about autism and social skills. Overcoming obstacles within yourself means addressing your shortcomings head-on and embracing your positive attributes so you can use them to your benefit. It can be easier to find new…

Finding a group of people who you connect well with while you’re young is usually easier, whether it be via school, church, sports, or a pastime. Children have many chances to engage in structured activities that allow them to socialize with others their own age. It is far more uncommon and challenging to get such…

As kids, we have a lot of options when it comes to organized activities, and many of them let us mingle with peers our own age, which is great for making friends. Finding others who share your interests — whether at school, church, on a sports team, or in a hobby — is usually a…

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2023 has been an incredible year for All Friends Network and we couldn’t have done it without you! Your support and involvement have been essential to the success of our organization. This year we have achieved so many exciting accomplishments; AFN increased…

Social media technology in and of itself is not necessarily bad, it’s how people use it that gives it such a bad reputation. However, people with developmental disabilities can use the All Friends Network Live-LINK app social networking site that was made just for them. Young adults are becoming more and more alone because they…

When you’re very inspired to do something, even if it’s challenging, you should simply do it. You have to be able to accept it on your own because no one will do it for you. If you wish to understand how to create and keep friends for life, you need to take a new look…

If you want to meet more people, have better conversations, and expand your circle of friends, then you should focus on developing your social skills. Developing your social skills may help you succeed in any pursuit, whether it’s at business or in your personal life. Making friends in real life is just one more way…

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…