CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A child with autism is making new friends and participating in social events thanks to a nonprofit organization.  

Friendship Circle of Charlotte opened an inclusive play area for children with disabilities

The group pairs children with special needs and teens to do activities together

Nate Loewensteiner attends Friendship Circle and loves socializing

A licensed pyschologist said there's a misconception that children with special needs don't like socializing

Friendship Circle of Charlotte pairs young people with special needs and teens to participate in activities together.

In January, Friendship Circle opened an Inclusive Fun Zone, which includes an indoor sensory-friendly park, a music and movement studio, a creativity area and a multi-sensory dream room. 

Six-year-old Nate Loewensteiner tried out the space last month with his teen friend, Lulu Taylor. 

They became friends last fall when Loewensteiner joined Friendship Circle. 

“It’s something that I can look forward during the week,” Taylor said. 

Loewensteiner’s mom, Adina, said he loves coming here. 

“It’s a great opportunity not to feel alone and just be a regular old kid,” Adina Loewensteiner said. 

Nate Loewensteiner is on the autism spectrum and outside of this space he’s not always been welcomed. 

“We’ve had experiences where other children at open playgrounds have said some things that are hurtful,” Adina Loewensteiner said. 

At times Nate Loewensteiner can be shy, look away or express himself differently, but one little thing his mom will tell you is he loves socializing. 

“He's definitely happy when he gets to be around friends,” she said. 

At Friendship Circle, there are many opportunities to connect with others. 

“A lot of our friends may never be invited to a birthday party, but here everybody’s birthday is celebrated. Every month we do a birthday circle. They get birthday cards, we sing happy birthday and whomever’s birthday is that month, we celebrate,” Adina Loewensteiner said. 

Now, they can also play at the Inclusive Fun Zone, where everything is meant to be touched from walls to a foam forest. 

At the park, there is also a wheelchair lift to increase accessibility.

“We have a couple of individuals who are in wheelchairs, and we want to make sure everybody is able to appreciate and participate,” Friendship Circle Family Coordinator Sue Schreiber said.

Licensed Psycho-educational Specialist and Licensed School Psychologist Jennifer Dodds said there is a common misconception that children with disabilities don’t want to socialize.

“A lot of these kids do desire to have friends and social connections but don’t necessarily have the platform to go about doing that. I think that’s really key for you to learn and build friendships,” Dodds said. 

Dodds added children learn many skills from socializing, including emotional regulation, self-control and speech.