This summer, we’re creating opportunities to build social skills

As the summer sun shines brightly, it presents an excellent opportunity for families to make plans that can significantly affect the social development of children with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and other rare diseases. For parents like Judy and me, the summer months aren’t just about relaxation. They’re a chance to create enriching experiences for our daughter, Rylae-Ann, that foster her social skills and emotional well-being.

Social skills are vital for every child, but they hold particular significance for children facing AADC deficiency and other challenges. Important lifelong skills such as communication, empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution form the backbone of strong relationships and emotional health.

Developing social skills can lead to improved self-esteem, better academic performance, and enhanced overall quality of life. Building these connections can be even more critical for children with rare diseases and special needs, as it provides them with a sense of belonging and understanding.

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Planning for a meaningful summer

Rylae-Ann admires the tower of cups she built with a friend during a weekend play date. (Photo by Richard E. Poulin III)

This summer, we’re committed to ensuring that Rylae-Ann enjoys her time off from school and has opportunities to develop her social skills. That’s especially crucial to us since she’ll be transitioning to a homeschooling environment with a small group.

We continually focus on social skills since they present an opportunity to learn from friends and gain new abilities.

To accomplish that, we’re inviting family and friends from around Asia and within our rare disease and special needs community to gather. That brings together families navigating similar challenges. By creating a supportive environment filled with shared experiences, we can help our daughter connect with peers who understand her journey.

In addition to fostering friendships, these gatherings provide a platform for parents to share advice, resources, and emotional support. The face-to-face interactions allow us to discuss our challenges, celebrate our victories, and learn from one another’s experiences. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this journey and that we can create a nurturing community for our children.

Activities that foster social skills

To make the most of our summer plans, we’re incorporating various activities designed to promote social interaction. Here are some of our plans.

Playdates: Organizing playdates focusing on cooperative games can help children learn teamwork and communication. Simple activities such as building a fort or playing group games encourage collaboration.

Creative activities: Art or music sessions not only allow for creative expression, but also provide opportunities for children to interact and work together on projects, fostering teamwork and communication.

Outdoor adventures: Nature walks, picnics, or trips to the park can facilitate casual interactions and conversations among children and parents alike. These settings often lead to organic socialization and bonding.

Community events: Creating family-friendly events designed for children with special needs can help Rylae-Ann and her peers engage in a relaxed environment, further enhancing their social experiences. Families also get the opportunity to have a vacation.

As we embark on this summer journey, we recognize the importance of every small step toward socialization for Rylae-Ann. Each interaction, each shared laugh, and each moment spent with understanding friends and supportive family members furthers her development. The growth we see in her social skills isn’t just about making friends; it’s about helping her build a foundation for a fulfilling life.

Summer is more than a break from routines. It’s a rare opportunity to create meaningful connections. We invest in our daughter’s future one playdate at a time by planning intentional activities focusing on socialization and community support. As parents, let’s embrace this season of connection, growth, and joy, empowering our children to thrive together.

Note: AADC News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of AADC News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.