UPDATED: New Group for Special Needs Kids Meets Sunday

Parent Joanne Donlon wants special needs kids to forge relationships through doing simple things together.

Walks on the beach, movies, bowling.

To that end she is starting a group called ASPEN. It's for parents and their children from Swampscott and Marblehead. 

Their first get together is Sunday from 4-5 p.m. at Devereux Beach in Marblehead.

These children, between 10-18 years old, might have Down syndrome, or be somewhere on the autism spectrum or struggle to communicate.

What they have in common, Donlon said, is a need for a regular group of friends and to become more independent.

Donlon's son, Andrew, 12, takes part in the Special Olympics and other events for special needs children — and then he goes home to Marblehead.

The same is true of other young people, from Swampscott and elsewhere, she said.

They join in occasional activities then go their separate ways.

Donlon hopes to help organize activities that give them a better sense of place and that helps them connect with one another. 

"It's about keeping the kids in their towns," she said.

As they get older, it will become more and more important for them to become more independent, she said.

Donlon hopes to find like-minded parents who have similar goals as she does.

Many parents have a multitude of responsibilities beyond caring for their special needs children. They have jobs to work and other children to care for.

Together, she hopes parents can establish regular activities for the chldren.

For a few years now, Donlon has tossed the idea around with Jennifer Nisbet, cochair of the Swampscott Parents Advisory Council.

Nisbet was the first person Donlon called when she decided to launch ASPEN.

Nisbet said in an interview that she will help spread the word about ASPEN.

Meeting the social/emotional needs of children with disabilities is so important, she said.

"Planned activities in the local community, with the proper support, will help the kids make connections that they may not be able to do on their own," she said.  "It will be nice not to have to drive long distances just to get to an activity!"

Donlon said Sunday's get together is a chance to talk with fellow parents and hear their thoughts.

Donlon is reaching out to only parents and children in Swampscott and Marblehead, at this point.

Eventually, she would like to invite parents and children from other towns in the area.

First and foremost, the gola is to get the kids out and about in their towns.

To rech Donlon email her at: donfam4@comcast.net.