My 3 year old girl asks me everyday for 'more friends'. When someone knocks on the front door she rushes forward shouting 'friends' and was so excited about trick-or-treat children chanting 'friends, friends, friends'.
She has verbal dyspraxia (though the language has started to come), still to be diagnosed but some asd social communication issues (poor eye contact, does not know how to play with children or sister etc). She has really come on though in the last 4 months and I've started her at pre-school 3 mornings a week. This has really fuelled her to be interested in friends but the issue is that I'm finding it VERY tough to get her playdates. We moved here 4 months ago, and don't know that many people and her behaviour does make it hard to make friends sometimes (she won't play in the playground if boys are there, clings to my leg, bit awkward at pre-school as just watches and very shy). I've approached a few pre-school parents but nothing forthcoming. I feel racked with guilt as I feel it is my responsibility to get her friends. I feel like shouting to every parent with a 3 year old on the street, can we play with you. Bit desparate I know. I've started her at ballet just so she mingles, and trying to find other clubs. I've also asked her Portage worker if she has any children that we could approach.
Anyone got any other ideas? We are in Kent (just incase anyone has a playdate friend). I've tried taking her to playgroups but she is overwelmed when lots of kids (bit like the playground - we have to go after-dark!) so really needs tiny group or 1:1.
Thank you