Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society

Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society is a Canadian federally registered non-profit charitable organization dedicated to promoting social inclusion, communication, and friendship development among children, particularly focusing on those on the autism spectrum and their typically developing peers. The society’s mission centers on enhancing reciprocal social interaction, imaginative play, and peer relationships for children with diverse social and communication needs[2][5].

Background and Purpose

Established with the intent to combat social isolation and loneliness experienced by marginalized children, Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society addresses barriers to learning that arise from peer neglect, rejection, and bullying. It specifically targets children aged 3 to 18, with a focus on early childhood and elementary-age children. The organization is committed to turning loneliness into learning by creating and delivering programs that foster inclusion and celebrate diversity[1][5].

Programs and Services

The society offers a range of innovative programs designed to support children, educators, and caregivers:

• Autism Demystification Programs: These include specialized puppet and play-based workshops aimed at enhancing understanding and acceptance of autism among children aged 4 to 10. The program also offers a live, in-depth online professional development course for educators to implement the Autism Demystification® Puppet Program effectively[1][5].

• Integrated Play Groups® Programs: Designed for children aged 3 to 18, these programs encourage imaginative play and social interaction between children on the autism spectrum and their typically developing peers, promoting meaningful friendships and social skills development[5].

• Demystifying the Classroom: A resource to assist educators in meeting British Columbia’s Curriculum standards for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3. This resource simplifies the SEL curriculum's implementation to foster social inclusion in early educational settings[1].

• Demystifying Families: A series of educational videos aimed at caregivers and families to support the social-emotional needs of neurodiverse and marginalized children, promoting inclusion within the home and community environments[1].

• Early Childhood and the Autism Spectrum: A self-directed online course developed for early childhood educators and parents to enhance social inclusion and peer play among neurodiverse children aged 3 to 7[1].

Impact and Funding

Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society operates without government funding, relying on donations that are fully tax-deductible under Canadian law. The organization’s focus on social emotional learning and inclusion aligns with broader educational and community goals to support neurodiversity and reduce the effects of loneliness on learning outcomes for children[1][3].

Affiliations

The society is recognized and supported by various community organizations and digital media centers aimed at enhancing educational resources and inclusion programs across Canada[2][4].

This summary encapsulates the core mission and activities of the Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society, emphasizing its role in fostering social inclusion and friendship development for neurodiverse children in Canada.