Playdates

There are many benefits to playdates for children (increasing social skills, sustaining friendships) as well as for parents and caregivers (develop friendships, support in child-rearing).  However, many children with special needs have less access to play dates.  In order for all students to have the chance to participate in these opportunities, parents must take an active role in creating them.  The following are suggested steps from Nancy Rosenberg and Gusty-Lee Boulware's article in Young Exceptional Children. (full citation below) in creating a successful playdate for your child with special needs.

1. Set up the play date space
      Take time to choose an appropriate play partner for your child.  It is important that the student is truly interested in playing with your child, and it is also important the parents are interested as well.  Playdates should be routine occurrences, not just a one-time thing.
      Make sure the area where the play date will take place is appropriate.  Make sure that it isn't overwhelming for your child.

2. Structure the play date
      Determine how long the play date will last.  It may be better to do a shorter playdate where your child can be successful rather than a longer one.  Build in some free time as well as structured activities
       Choose toys that lend themselves to social interactions.
       See if there are mutual interests of the children that can be explored

3. Work on your student's goals
      Decide what your child needs to work on (taking turns, using words, etc) and choose activities that will help with this.  Find materials that will encourage students to play together. 
       Determine how much support you will need to give your child to be successful

4. Support the children as necessary
     Your child may need some help to be successful for the first few encounters.  Be prepared to help as necessary.

Hopefully by being intentional about play date opportunities for your child, you will be able to create a successful situation in which both children feel good about themselves.

Let your child's teacher know if you need any ideas for successful activities.

Young Exceptional Children

Nancy Rosenberg and Gusty-Lee Boulware

2005 8: 11Playdates for Young Children : With Autism and Other Disabilities