Social Supports
Explore resources for supporting individuals with ASD in their journey to improve their social competence. Social skills are generally an area of difficulty for those with an autism spectrum disorder. Resources on this page are targeted to provide family members with strategies to help make social skill gains.
Bullying and Individuals with Special Needs
Discover terms like "up-stander" and how to stop being a bystander when it comes to bullying. Individuals with disabilities have been targets for those engaging in bullying behaviors. It is time to put a stop to this! With knowledge comes the power to act.
Learn strategies for building social competence. Family members including parents, grandparents, and others can help bridge the social skills gap by introducing their child to others. The video presentation on Introducing Your Child to Others is full of concrete tips to do just that. The Social Competence Strategies for Families series offers examples of social supports for use at home and in the community. There is also a Social Competence Series for Educators that offers helpful information for families to learn and share with their school district.
Best Buddies
Discover Best Buddies®, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement. They do this by establishing local organizations to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
One Place for Special Needs: Peer Match Program
Explore online resources, such as a peer match program, and find age appropriate friends of all ages who live in your area.
The Next Chapter Book Club
Learn about this club that provides meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning, social connections, and authentic community engagement for people with developmental disabilities through weekly book club meetings that include people with all reading levels.