News/Blog

When you want something in life, the best solution is to go out often just and get it. No one is going to give it to you, so you need to learn how to take it for yourself. Developing a new attitude toward social skill and autism is key if you want to learn how…

You might have heard the phrase, “use it or lose it,” with regard to certain skills and abilities. This is also true of learning how to overcome issues with friendship and disability. The more you are able to get out there, participate, and work on developing social skills, the easier it will become. Young adults…

The internet has opened up a whole new opportunity for making and keeping friends, regardless of where you fall on the spectrum. Online peer relationships have become the new normal for people of all ages and abilities. Taking advantage of online playgroups, interactive screen time programs, social networks, and services, online friendships for autistic children…

Thank you for being a part of our first event. We greatly appreciated your time and support of All Friends Network. We don’t charge our members or pass along any expenses for AFN Live~ LINK. Contributions go a long way allowing us to provide our unique services for those who need it most. 100% of…

Many people who have cerebral palsy or autism find that their core friendships are often very close to home. In fact, a majority of those surveyed in the United States reveal that family members and next-door neighbors are often the ones that they count as best friends. There is nothing wrong with being close to…

Most people who are on the autism spectrum will have difficulty with developing social skills and making friends. The reason for this is that doing new things, including meeting new people, can cause anxiety, be frightening, and, in some cases, may even be confusing. Once you understand the link between difficulties with social skills and…

Making friends as an adult can be challenging for anyone, but if you have a developmental disability like autism or cerebral palsy, it can be even more complicated. It seems as though children have it easy. A few minutes on the playground together, and they could be chatting like lifelong friends. However, developing social ability…

It is essential to understand that adults with cerebral palsy have the same goals and desires as everyone else: they want to be independent, valued members of the local community. Instead of being seen for their disability, they want to be seen as individuals who have something to contribute. These goals can be a challenge…

While most humans are naturally very social creatures, not everyone has the skills necessary to develop friendships. This is true of everyone, regardless of their culture, background, abilities, or disabilities. Learning how to make and keep friends is something that must be taught and practiced throughout life. Friendship has many benefits, providing the individual with…

Most people know about the downside to social media. Spending too much time watching videos, posting comments, and not interacting with people in real life. However, there have been some positive effects from this powerful medium, in particular, for the disabled community. Real people share photos, videos, and stories about the triumphs, challenges, and encouraging…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made some excellent strides in recent years with regard to making sure that schools, parks, play areas, and recreational facilities are accessible to all. Learning how to make friends at a young age is a skill that will last a lifetime. Overcoming disabilities like autism and cerebral palsy…

We talk a lot about how crucial it is for children to learn how to make friends, how to increase their social skills and get out in the world. But have you ever tried to make friends as an adult? It’s ever so much harder than childhood friendships, which can sometimes whip up unexpectedly on…

One of the biggest challenges facing young adults with developmental disabilities is learning how to make and build lifelong friendships. It can be difficult for anyone to establish a friendship that will stand the test of time, but even more so when the individual is dealing with a developmental disability. While most babies are learning…

One of the best methods to encourage individuals who might be feeling discouraged about a developmental disability is to show them examples of others who accomplished great things even with the same diagnosis. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a wide range of symptoms for each child, and the treatment, goals, and opportunities can vary considerably,…

Many people find it difficult to meet new friends and to make lasting friendships. However, it is even more challenging for children and teens with developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy and autism. When you have good friends, they can be there for you to support you in the good times and the bad. They are…

For those who are new to the activities and goals of the disabled community, the stress on making friends and building a social network may be surprising. What does friendship have to do with development for children and teenagers? Why are social activities and events so essential? Friendships are important to all children, regardless of…