I have provided part-time respite care for a grade school age Down syndrome young man, years ago. A enjoyed playing with my two school aged boys, mixing in with our late afternoon- early evening flow and occasional dinners when Mom was running late from work. It felt great to provide help to my friend's high achieving athletic family! We have also had two Autistic childhood friends that would mix in with our family's activities and have playdates. It was a treat that my two boys had the opportunity to really enjoy friendship and get to know two autistic young men!