QUESTION: Is it possible for typically developing children to become truly good friends with non-typically developing children?

RESPONSE: I am delighted to be able to say “definitely, yes.”  In more and more school districts, there are opportunities for kids with non-typical challenges to spend conversation and activity time with same-aged typical kids, and the typical kids are developing an understanding of non-typical challenges in physical abilities, thinking and communicating, and becoming friends and advocates for their non-typically developing peers.

In Austin, in the intermediate and middle schools, typically developing kids are volunteering to be matched weekly in clusters with non-typically developing kids in Peer Power Partners to promote friendships, understanding and advocacy.

Typically developing kids are learning about the various challenges non-typically developing peers experience daily: for instance, how difficult it is to interact socially when your mind concentrates on the other person’s mouth rather than his eyes, or how hard it can be to understand figurative language, that “It’s raining cats and dogs!” means it’s raining really hard or “I spilled the beans” means making secret information public, or how confusing it can be to learn society’s “hidden” public rules, like we do not touch someone’s hair even if it looks nice.

“My Best Friend Will” is a beautiful photo book authored by teacher Tara Tuchel with the help of Jamie Lowell, a fifth-grader in Wisconsin who developed a special friendship with Will Roberts, a peer living with autism.

Jamie and Will are 21 years old now and have been friends for 10 years. Children with autism often have a very, very intense interest: Will’s was Christmas trees. Interestingly, Will’s parents now own a Christmas tree farm that Will manages and Jamie buys her Christmas trees from Will.

At the Austin Hormel Historic Home at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, Tara and Jamie will share their stories, as teacher and student, of beginning integrated play groups and how rewarding it can be to be empathetic and helpful. It will be an enjoyable and valuable intergenerational opportunity for families.

To talk with a parenting specialist about the challenges in child-raising, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204/Línea de Apoyo at 1-877-434-9528.  For free emergency child care call Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599.  Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org and “My Best Friend Will” at the PRC Specialty Library (105 First Street S.E.,