How to Find a Playdate for a Child with Autism

When looking for a playdate for a child, finding a good fit for your family is essential, especially when your child is autistic. You must like the parents and your children must like theirs. This can be difficult, but once you have established a good playdate relationship, it cannot be broken.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Find playdates in person

1. Talk to people you know about finding a playdate for your autistic child. Sometimes you can find what you're looking for just by letting the people you are close to know that you are looking.
2. Speak with your child's doctor about finding a playdate for your autistic child. Chances are he works with other autistic families and could let them know you are looking.
3. Call the families you have been put in contact with. Get to know each other very well, as this will make your playdates more enjoyable.
4. Attend the meeting you have arranged.

Find playdates online

5. Search online for autism playgroups. Yahoo groups and many parenting message boards have online communities that you can join and find a local group.
6. Immerse yourself in your online community. Get to know the people as well as you possibly can. This will make for a less awkward meeting the first time you get together. Know the mothers or fathers, the autistic children, and the siblings.
7. Arrange a meeting in a public place. You never know who you are meeting online, so having it in a public place such as a park or restaurant is best fro the first few meetings. Once you have established a relationship with the families, meetings at your home would be appropriate.
8. Watch as your autistic child develops and thrives with having new friends to play with, whether they be autistic also or not.

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