Adaptive Rec Program Boosts Self-Esteem

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- When Northwest resident Renee Shoemaker went to jot down an upcoming dance on her calendar, she was met with a conflict -- a family vacation to Nebraska the same day.
The 32-year-old woman chose to cancel vacation in lieu of the New A.G.E. after-work recreation program for adults with developmental disabilities , social night, said her dad, Dale Shoemaker.

'She's a People-Pleaser Big Time'

WARSAW, Ohio -- It wasn't the sash, crown or being the center of attention that made being the River View prom queen special to senior Cortney Wright. It was the fact her classmates, her friends, thought enough of her to bestow the honor.
Cortney is developmentally disabled and attended special needs classes at River View. Today, she will replace her crown with a cap as she walks across the stage and accepts her diploma along with her classmates.

High School Student's Inner Circle

BRENTWOOD, Calif. -- Equipped with an ample supply of M&Ms in pastel shades and polka-dot ribbon, Emily Simino and a couple of friends are turning miniature glass jars into party favors for a mutual companion's birthday.
The Brentwood 15-year-old maintains a running conversation with Brandon Gruber, who snips off strands of ribbon and affixes them along the edge of the lids at her direction.
"Cut it right there," Emily says. "Perfect. Do you have a little glue?"
Gruber carefully applies a few drops.
"Yeah, you really are good with a glue gun," Emily says.
That both Brandon, 15, and fellow favor maker 23-year-old Brittany Cassen have Down syndrome makes no difference to the Heritage High School sophomore, who counts them among her closest friends in a social network that includes dozens with similar disabilities.

Teens With Autism Master Social Cues, Find Friends

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Thirteen-year-old Andrea Levy ticked off a mental list of rules to follow when her guest arrived: Greet her at the door. Introduce her to the family. Offer a cold drink.
Above all, make her feel welcome by letting her choose what to do.
''Do you want to make pizza now or do you want to make it later?'' the lanky, raven-haired teen rehearsed in the kitchen, as her mother spread out dough and toppings.
This was a pivotal moment for Andrea, a girl who invited just one acquaintance to her bat mitzvah.
Andrea has autism, and socializing doesn't come naturally. For the past several weeks, she's gone to classes that teach the delicate ins and outs of making friends -- an Emily Post rules of etiquette for autistic teens.
''A lot of our kids need a tune-up. They need new skills to help them survive in their new social world,'' said clinical psychologist Elizabeth Laugeson of the University of California, Los Angeles, who runs a 3 1/2-month friendship program for high-functioning autistic teens like Andrea.