WANTED: Friends for Cute 5-year-old Girl with Down syndrome
posted Thursday June 19th, 2008
It’s official. I have to find Sophie some friends.
At least, some play dates — specifically, the therapists tell me, play dates with girls (or very mellow boys) a little younger, 3 and a half or 4. And it’s got to be in a controlled environment:
One on one. For about an hour. Annabelle can’t be there. It needs to be in a setting unfamiliar to Sophie, and an adult needs to facilitate the play, just so.
All this to teach Sophie how to socialize. Which breaks my heart, because Sophie’s the most social person I know; she just doesn’t do it the right way, apparently. At least, not with the right people. (Her peers, rather than, say, the school nurse.)
Her therapists (and teacher, he was in on the discussion, too) love her, and just want the best for Sophie. We met the other day to talk about summer goals for Sophie, and they all but brushed past academics — ironically, that’s not Sophie’s challenge, not at the moment, at least — and moved on to negative behaviors (inappropriate hide and seek, as in, she hides when no one else knows they should be seeking), writing (she can’t now and maybe won’t, ever), and friendship.
Gordon, the teacher, suggested a social service agency in town that could possibly give us names of kids for potential play dates.
Excuse me?
“I don’t want this to come out the wrong way, but I’m not ready to put Sophie on match.com,” I said snottily. “I think I can find her play dates myself.”
So, uh, anyone know anybody?
Hello! This is wild. I was looking at your site yesterday, got distracted and forgot to leave comment. I guess it’s just that great minds think alike. It’s funny, flying with Addison, though there’s obstacles, I think is going to be easier than before – just because he’s so, well you know, so in tune with life. This is what I need every day and on and airline!
Amy, it’s Erin, Deborah’s friend. Could you and Sophie come over for a playdate with my 4-year-old daughter, Niamh (it’s Gaelic, pronounced Neev)? Her brother always has playdates and I’m woefully neglectful of her social life. Send me an email and let me know. I think it would be fun.
Hi, I am just a reader but I saw your request. I wasn’t sure if you were looking for another child with Down syndrome for her to play with but I sent your blog to friend who, like me, has daughters with Ds. I hope you can find a friend for Sophie. We adopted one for our daughter, so that she will always have someone to play with her. It has been really great to see the bond grow between them in such a short time. I love your blog by the way!
Hello, a friend sent me your blog post, I see you live in AZ? We live in Tucson and have a 7 year old with Down syndrome who really needs a buddy close to her age. Though we adopted two 3 years olds also with Ds, they are too young to be truly good friends to my lonely little girl. Homeschooling makes it hard for her to find friends, and I am struggling with trusting the school system with my precious daughter. I too need to find someone to visit heree and play with her, someone who understands her better than a typical child would.
She’s so adorable and pretty
made my day
Debbie Jarson just turned me on to your blog (literally, 2 minutes ago). This just makes my heart so happy to see posts like this one (albeit from many years ago). I can’t wait to read your book! And I can’t wait to meet you and Sophie!!!