Autism

[cam2301]

www.spectrumfriends.com

check out the "Meet Friends" link on the left

Hi, my name is John Sadowski. I am Cameron's dad.After being a guest on this site for a good while, i know that many of you have experienced many of the same things that my wife Kathy and I have over the last almost eight years. My 8 year old Aspergers son, Cameron and I created Spectrum Friends.com. It was not just created for my child, but for all children who experience the sometimes painful social anxiety that comes with the "mainstream" of "normal" childhood. I have seen Myspace, Facebook and many other "social networking" sites. I have no idea why, but it took a long time for me to realize that there wasn't a social networking site for those who needed it the most! Immediately, Cam and I went to work. I have had the pleasure of speaking with many other parents whose children have been diagnosed with some form of ASD. I know quite well that not all children will be able to utilize Spectrum Friends. I also understand that this is not a solution. But one thing that I do know for certain is this: Social networking, internet chat, bulletin boards, Facebook, MySpace, etc,. are the meeting places of this century. People with common interests meet each other on a moment to moment basis, all over the world through these sites. And on many occassions they lead to interpersonal, business and other types of relationships. The reality is that maybe this day and age of networking may be the catalyst to propel these children from a simple internet friendship to non-threatening social interaction. Learning the necessary prompts and cues over the internet leaves a large margin for error. The individual also can "meet" others who share common interests and be familiar with their new "friend" in the case that a meeting becomes possible. I dont expect everyone to meet each other anytime soon, but it may spur our special people on to want to meet people and make friends. I know thtat there are some sites for adults, but I have yet to see one for children. This may not make a difference for everyone, but I hope that it makes a difference for some, including my son Cameron. Even if you arent interested in participating, please check out our site and leave a comment on what we are doing right or what we can do better. We are launching this weekend. Thank you.

John and Cameron

www.spectrumfriends.com