Playdates for Special Needs Children

One of the most challenging tasks for the parent of a child with special needs is showing others how great your child really is. Parents of typically developing children can be apprehensive of one-on-one playtime with a differently-abled child, for fear of a negative influence. Conversely, it is integral for most special needs children to spend time with typical children, as it can help them develop socially and emotionally.

So how do you arrange for your extraordinary child to receive some face time with their peers? The most important thing to realize is that most other parents aren’t judgmental of your child, they are just misinformed. If there’s another child at your little one’s school or daycare that they seem particularly fond of, try to speak with Mom or Dad and express to them the advantages to both of your children; not only is your youngster learning from his peer, but his peer is going to learn how to interact appropriately with someone who is different from them, a skill she will use all throughout her life.

Offer to have the parents over your house as well, not just the child. This will allow them to see firsthand that their child isn’t going to unlearn everything they know by interaction with a special needs child. Surely enough, after some snacks and conversation, they are going to forget whatever it was that was causing them to be uneasy, as your children will be having a grand time together. Invite their child to bring over some items that they enjoy playing with and allow them to show your child how to participate; your little one can do the same. The teaching experience from both sides is a great way to encourage considerate and enjoyable communication.

After a few play dates - and some time to get used to one another - your child and his friend will be able to enjoy each other’s company with little to no anxiety over their varying abilities.