Disability services provide a reliable and structured foundation for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities but building a meaningful life in the community is also important. This creates a sense of belonging and purpose with the help and support of others in the community.
Community integration provides individuals with feelings of empowerment, confidence and the opportunity for more active participation in society. Here are some ways individuals with IDD can discover activities that create connections and a real sense of belonging:
Explore Recreation and Hobbies
Individuals’ lives that are centered around disability services often limit social and community experiences and are reduced to a social circle of paid staff and carers. It is important that social circles are expanded through finding hobbies and recreational activities for adults with developmental disabilities and autism to find new friends and a community that share the same interests for heightened social inclusion.
- Join a local club – from community sports and exercise clubs to gardening and hiking to music and arts, there are many different clubs available which encourage natural friendships with people who enjoy the same things.
- Find a social hobby – from online gaming or board games to arts and crafts to baking and journaling, these creative activities can be done in a community setting to encourage social interaction and friendships.
Find Real Friendships
Friendships for people with disabilities not only provide a social connection but encourage confidence and create a sense of belonging in the community. Having a disability can be isolating but finding likeminded people with similar interests and understanding can be a huge boost to mental health and wellbeing.
People with IDD can become a familiar face in the local community and foster natural friendships by frequenting the same places and building connections with others. Create a routine by visiting the same coffee shop or cafe, library or community spaces to become a welcomed member of the community.
Making Authentic Friendships
There is also an app called Making Authentic Friendships (MAF) open to all 13+ which connects people with autism and disabilities to others with similar interests and preferences online based off their geolocation, diagnosis, age and interests. It is an easy to use and intuitive app and it helps individuals who struggle with social skills meet new people in their local area and create genuine friendships.
Volunteering and Community Groups
Many people with autism and IDD also enjoy giving back to the community that welcomed and helped them by volunteering and joining various community groups. There are many services that need help from volunteers such as animal shelters, libraries, food banks, community theaters and more and there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Volunteering in the community provides individuals with more confidence and a boost to self-esteem.
Path-Now provides a wide range of autism and intellectual and developmental disability services California to ensure individuals receive support and resources to help build a meaningful life in the community.
