Within any case, within any mind, socialization is like a key. It’s like a key that can unlock so many different doors. These doors empower one through abilities that make the most of the participant’s life. Socialization effects one emotionally, physically and mentally.
How can a peer group help? Basically, what is given is what one can get (i.e. you give love, you get love back). Peer groups ideally don’t judge and no one tells anyone else to grow up. Isn’t the idea of noncritical acceptance nice? And one that is free from the emotions and opinions of close family or friends. Essentially socialization happens within environments that give strength. I can’t begin to tell you how my daughter Atara has touched individuals within groups and, of course, how they’ve affected her. Socialization within different groups of people has often been amazing for us all. Essentially it’s all about interaction with other beings and in the end all of one’s senses have been enhanced. There’s a good chance you’ll come alive.
How about a woman from Phoenix, Arizona dancing with friends after being bedridden from chronic pain? Or a superb smile from a boy who usually gives no expressions as ‘his special friends’ come to his house for their weekly visit? It’s awe inspiring what we can do with what we innately have to give.
Would you like to see your child with a personal network and indirectly build one of your own? Are you wondering where to get your child started? As a mother of a child with a disability I have found a refuge with The Friendship Circle. You too can find refuge from them.
Erika Tencer is Atara's and Tova's mother as well as a therapeutic recreation specialist.
