When you think back on your childhood, do you remember wonderful times spent with friends? Did you have a close group of buddies? Did you play on teams, take part in school plays, or even run the chess club? If so, it may be very tough to watch your child on the autism spectrum as he or she comes home from school alone day after day.
While it may be difficult for you, as a parent, to watch what looks like a lonely life, it's important to see your child's experience through his or her eyes. Is your child really lonely, or just alone? Is she experiencing a sense of isolation, or does she enjoy afternoons spent in her own company? Does he have a friend or two -- and might that be enough? Dr. Robert Naseef and Cindy Ariel offer their perspective as psychologists on autism and friendship.
What's your feeling about autism and friendship? How does your child on the autism spectrum feel about his or her social life? Are friendships more important to you -- or to your child? Join the conversation!
I can see the sadness in my child’s eyes when he get rejected. and this happen to often. Autism is not about the lack of feelings. It’s about understanding differences.