Friendship is a topic many parents with kids on the autism spectrum deal with on a daily basis. And, in most cases, we know it’s not too many friends or even the “wrong” friends. More often than not it’s simply “my kids don’t have friends.” Or “they can’t keep friends.” If the definition of a friend is someone who calls or texts our kids, hangs out with our kids, wants to spend their free time with our kids … well, honestly, how many true friends do our kids have?
Yes, friendship is a sore topic.
I had a best friend when I was growing up. I could count on her to be there for me. Always. We did everything together. We rode bikes. We went to the store. We walked to and from school and ate lunch together. You know the routine. And we even fought with each other. But we always made nice again. In 10th grade she let me borrow her Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” album which I listened to non-stop. She even loaned me her navy pinwale corduroy Levis which I absolutely loved [and my mom wouldn’t buy for me].
Selfishly, I wish my kid could experience that same bonding. But I have to be mindful of the fact that just because it made me happy to have that friendship, my son might not necessarily have that same need. But still …
autismresourcemom 
this has got to be the best workshop/seminar announcement that i have ever seen!
i can totally relate as I’ve never had problems making friends but my heart aches for my son as he struggles to do something that’s 2nd nature to many of us. Looking forward to learning techniques to help him in this regard. Janie L. Mulrain, CLPF, NCG Professional Fiduciary
714.612.2248 janiemulrain@yahoo.com
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PRIVACY ACT 18 USC 2510: Disclosure of this electronic communication is strictly limited to the sender s intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact sender and delete all copies of this communication. Content and material(s) attached herein is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient does not affect its confidential or privileged nature. Review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited.
Janie, your son is lucky to have a mom like you!