bettyandbob Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Ds is 11, almost 12.He has down syndrome. Yesterday, we went to the neighborhood pool and he was greater by a girl from the bus stop, E. another girl, S, was there too. Ds got in the pool with them and played for 1.5 hours, until the girls went home. I did not get in the pool at all. I just watched intently. E just turned 10 and S is 9. Ds has never been invited to play with anyone else before. I've been his only playmate at the pool his whole life. We swim several days a week in summer and go to an indoor pool weekly in winter. but it's not just at the pool, the playground, church, etc. children have never chosen to include him. The worst was church where I witnessed children actively excluding and later bullying. The only time another child has wanted to play with us is because I bring toys. That has been problematic because ds doesn't want to share toys. Well, it appears he wants to share with children who actually want to play with him. Yesterday, he shared his toypedo. Today, we went back to the pool and S was there. He shared his rings with her. Spontaneous play like that is huge. I am grateful for the wonderful neighbors we have. I feel lucky we met these people this year with big changes in our school situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 That is wonderful. Thank you for sharing that with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 I am so happy for him and you, Betty! I hope there are more wonderful pool play days this summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Yea! I'm glad that he found a friend at the pool :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 That is wonderful!! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 So wonderful! Made my heart smile! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6wildhorses Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 That's wonderful!! I also have an 11-year-old son with Down Syndrome. I love when others are able to see him as a person and as a friend instead of as someone with a disability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 When I was a kid, an older boy with Down syndrome lived across the street from the neighborhood playground. He was regularly included and younger kids used to be happy to see him come over. His parents didn't hang out at the playground (nor did other parents in those days). I wonder if not having parents "right there" made it easier for other kids to approach him? Anyhoo, I am so glad to hear of your son's great time! I hope it is the first of many. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted June 22, 2013 Author Share Posted June 22, 2013 Thank you. It's hard to share "milestones". Ds's milestones are so vastly different a lot of people just don't get it. It's wonderful to see ds so happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Yay! Brought tears to my eyes to read this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jelbe5 Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 That is so uplifting! I know I am truly grateful of the youth we have in our lives who are kind, respectful and actively engage with my son who has autism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live2Ride Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 That is so awesome! I know it makes your mommy heart sing :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 How sweet! Way to go! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 :hurray: I'm glad he is making some friends, or at least play mates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 That's awesome :hurray: ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilaclady Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Wow that is great that he was made friends with but also a little sad with all the kids that have been excluding him all these years. I just wish kids and adults will stop excluding others and play together nicely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 We have an inclusive playgroup at our church that is half "typically developing" kids and half kids with some kind of difference that creates social obstacles (austism, Downs, etc.) The kids are pretty young and there is a high volunteer-to-kid ratio. Volunteers provide encouragement and support for kids to play together, work out issues, etc. Each group makes gains in the social skills they need to be in community together: The TD kids learn to naturally include kids who are different and learn to be friends with them; the kids with struggles learn new skills. A lot of sweet friendships form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Your post made my heart :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tita Gidge Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 What a wonderful thing to hear! Milestones are always worth sharing, but this one is especially sweet. Here's to many more fun afternoons at the pool - you relaxing on the side and he enjoying his new friends :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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