BEST BUDDIES

For those of you who dont know there is an organization called Best Buddies designed for "typical " peers on a school campus to pair up with a challenged child to help augment socialization both in school and in the community--

I have tried to get Dakota involved a couple of times before but it just hasnt stuck--Well this time I think we might be on to something. Dakota has been paired with a freshamn who seems really committed to being a pal and a mentor-- and I love it!

Although a large part of the school year is passed on the 11th of Februaury Best Buddies had a trip to Disneyland and what a success story!  Not only did Dakota get up early enuf but got on the bus and rode with all the buddies and other kids WITHOUT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my god -- It was raining like hell and i thought it was going to be a crummy day but another miracle occured the clouds parted and the sun came out and it was a great day-- since this was the first time I had ever allowed Dakota to" fly solo " I did drive down and stayed in contact by cell with the group of kids he went with. Periodically during the day I met up with them and gave them a few pointers about how Dakota  did things around the park and the group was eager to make sure Dakota had a great time! The bus was due to leave at 6 but i had made arrangements to stay over at the hotel and one of the kids that is in his room at school  made arrangements to stay with Dakota -- So we had a stellar day and not only did he do Dineyland without mom for the most part but he also had his first "sleep over"!

Heres the bonus: the kids that were in Dakotas group also decided to stay passed the time that the bus was leaving and would be in the park till about 11pm----Now their obligation was up at 6 when the buses left but these kids were so dedicated to helping Dakota that they offered for Dakota to stay with them and let him go back into the park that evening.That is above and beyond the call of duty> i was so impressed that after we came home  we made certificates of appreciation for those that made the special effort.

The point being that if you can get a willing and committed buddy this is the best way to ease your autistic child into a comfortable situation for community activity.

Best Buddies will also be having a walk at La SierraCollege to raise money for this organization and the "typical " peers will be attending and encouraging the kids to walk with them   they all have gotte donors for how much they walk -- heres the bonus again: a bus has been arranged to leave from the school and the kids will go independent of their parents to encourage a peer experience! How cool is that? The teachers who are the sponsers and the aides that are involved go to make sure all special  needs are met but its a way for our kids to start learning what real friendships are about--

Each buddy fills out a sheet of info likes and dislikes email address and phone numbers  to encourage our kids to develop skills they dont have  i know we have to still monitor and help our kids but at least its a start

I hope that our kids continue to have these opportunities and Best Buddies is around forever.