Preparing for adulthood: Friends and family
The role of family and friends for children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) is important for emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging that every child and young person deserves.
There are times when things happen in families or with friendships that can cause extra stresses and problems. But there are people that can help your child or young person. As a parent, your support and guidance play a crucial role and there are people that can help your child or young person.
Problems with family
Your child or young person might worry about:
- arguments, being shouted at, or having different opinions or beliefs
- divorce and separation
- money problems or having to move
- alcohol problems
- being hurt or abused.
Childline provides a range of support, advice and help.
Friendships if your child or young person has a disability
Having a social life can sometimes be challenging, particularly if your child or young person has a disability or additional needs.
Accessibility barriers can make it difficult to join in with activities or stay included in friendship groups. These barriers could be social, physical or sensory. They could be other people’s attitudes or the activity itself.
But going to new places and having different experiences can help your child or young person find out what they can do, the support they need and what’s accessible. It can also help them learn how to deal with different social situations and challenges.
Top tips for making friends
If your child or young person wants to make some friends but doesn’t know how to get started, there are some things they can do.
Bromley Mencap have produced a useful guide with tips and ideas.
Find out more about making friends at Childline.
Get help with friendship problems
Friends can be there to enjoy the best times, and they can help us when we’re feeling down. But sometimes friendships have problems and it can be hard to know what to do.
Find out more about friendship problems at Childline.