Social Skills and Autism: Learn How to Make Friends for Keeps
Friendships can be fleeting at any age. Some relationships can fall by the wayside as we grow, change, and expand our interests. Developing social ability can be more of a struggle for some than others, regardless of any disability that may be present. Social skills and autism or learning how to make friends with cerebral palsy can be even more challenging, especially when there are developmental disabilities and other underlying issues that make it difficult. One of the best ways to increase skills, practice communication, and become more comfortable with speaking to new people is to join a social group designed specifically for those with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. Not only will you have a chance to meet others who have similar struggles and concerns, but you can build your confidence in a safe space while participating in group events and activities.
All Friends Network
Created with the idea of providing resources and opportunities for those who have cerebral palsy, autism, or other developmental disabilities who want to learn how to make friends or have opportunities to network with others, All Friends Network is on a mission. We want to help people of all ages to focus on building lifelong friendships as a way to become more independent and have a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Trevor Kelliher, who has cerebral palsy, created All Friends Network during the pandemic. A free app and members-only social network provides options for those with developmental disabilities who want to make friends. The resources provided are all designed to help our members expand their social skills, and autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities will no longer be a deterrent to making friends and building relationships.
The AFN Live-Link is an online social app designed specifically for our members. To use this app, a person must join as a member of the All Friends Network. There are absolutely no fees for membership, as our goal is to have people start communicating and building friendships as soon as possible. Simply add a profile and start reaching out to others in this safe and secure environment without fear of bullying or negativity from those who do not understand your developmental disability. Social skills and autism can be difficult to bring together, especially if there are symptoms that make it challenging to communicate. The same is true with making friends with cerebral palsy, as there are sometimes physical disabilities or issues with speech that can make communication difficult. Our goal is to provide tools to help our members overcome these issues in a safe and positive way.
Group Activities and More!
Social events are an important part of developing social ability. Our goal is to add more events to where we have at least monthly gatherings to bring our members together. Planned outings, such as mini-golf, tours at local museums, zoos, and aquariums, as well as pizza parties and movie nights, are in the works. Thanks to donations made by our sponsors, we are working to cover the cost of the outings for our members. As a non-profit organization, no money will be for All Friends Network, but to support the work that we are doing for our members to assist them in learning how to make friends and interact socially with others in the membership community.
Life skills are also a part of the resources offered to our members at All Friends Network. We are currently working to develop online educational training videos, small seminars and even hope to offer one on one sessions to provide support designed to enhance life skills. Our team is working with an employment agency to help facilitate employment opportunities for all members looking for job placement. All Friends Network members will even be able to receive training and support to help them prepare a professional resume and learn the best techniques for making a positive first impression in a job interview.
Ready to Join AFN?
If you are ready to learn how to make friends with cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disabilities, now is the time to join the All Friends Network! We are growing our membership and working n new ways to help our members in developing social ability and life skills and make lifelong friendships. Call today at 941-587-7172 or email our team about joining the membership at info@allfriendsnetwork.org.