Others around you will play an important role in your child's life. Friends and neighbors can offer a supportive network for your child to test his wings in communication and involvement outside of the family. Often in today's society we can get too busy to focus on time with friends and neighbors. Make time to be neighborly.

Help your friends and neighbors get to know your child. Explain his preferences, his needs, and the strategies that he uses instead of focusing on the disability per se.

Perhaps Justin is a 10-year-old with ADHD. You've decided that Justin will not take medication in the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer. He is very active (often impulsive) and apt to lose track of focus when doing chores and when it is time to come back in for supper.

Try these prompts for addressing Justin's needs without going into all of the confidential information about his ADHD.

• “Justin needs to work off some extra energy so he is helping with the mulch. Isn't he doing a great job?”

• “Justin, I think you acted without thinking about the best choice. If Roger wants a turn on the trampoline, what could you do?”

• “Justin may come over to watch a movie. He loves to watch them so much. He may need a reminder to head back home when the movie is over.”

Misunderstandings (about behaviors or needs) are the result of not understanding. Be on the lookout for ways to help others understand your child.