The Birthday Party Dilemma

"How To Help Your Child Avoid Social Isolation and Make Real Friends!"

~by Lisa Simmons of www.ideallives.com (reprinted by permission)

Recently I received this email from a parent:

"I would like to see some resources on how to get classmates both

from special ed. and regular class to come and see my son on his

birthday (no one showed up again!) or at a social gathering. It's

been 5 years and only once, 3 years ago, one person came to his

birthday party. I always send invitations, but nobody ever responds

and when I run into them at school during conferences they always

say, "We meant to come, but something came up."

Talk about a real-world problem!

Spoiled special occasions can be absolutely devastating for a child.

Even more damaging though can be the feelings of isolation and

loneliness caused by the daily exclusions during recess games and

lunchroom chatter. Unfortunately, none of us make friends over night.

It's a process that takes time and nurturing from both kids and the

caring adults around them. BUT, if you start now, the picture can

look a whole lot cheerier by the time next year's birthday rolls

around!

Read some practical real life suggestions at

http://alternativechoices.com/birthday_party_dilemma.htm

Dating, Marriage & Autism

Stephen Shore, a doctoral student studying special education at

Boston University and ASA board member, shares his unique experiences

related to dating. Shore offers tips for parents to help their child

develop the skills he or she needs to build any type of relationship.

Reprinted by permission from the Autism Society of America.

Read this valuable article at

http://alternativechoices.com/dating_marriage_&_autism.htm

Counseling Parents of Young Children with Disabilities

( From the August 2002 Early Childhood Newsletter, Brookes

Publishing Company)

"Your child is not turning out to be the child you thought. You're

grieving, but at the same time, you're in love with your child,"

Robert Naseef says of parents of a young child with a disability. Dr.

Naseef, a psychologist in private practice in Philadelphia, advises

counselors and other early intervention professionals that "empathy

is key" when working with parents who are coming to terms with their

child's disability. Also key is understanding what parents are going

through emotionally.

Read this interview at

http://alternativechoices.com/counseling_parents_interview.htm

If you think thus information may be of use to someone you know,

please forward them this e-mail or direct them to

www.specialfamilies.com

Best regards,

Robert Naseef, Ph.D.

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