The Benefits of Online Dating for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

online-datingSeeking companionship can be difficult for many adults, but for those with developmental disabilities, this can often be nearly impossible. While most people can turn to online social groups and dating sites, there are very few resources for men and women with autism, Down Syndrome, and developmental delays. Special Bridge offers people of every ability level the opportunity to make friends and to possibly create lasting romantic attachments.

Today’s adults with developmental delays and disabilities are already using technology to communicate with the outside world, help with everyday activities, and to keep track of daily responsibilities. Assistive technology is revolutionizing life for people with special needs, so it should be no surprise that it can help improve socialization for adults both young and old. Online dating and friend finding can be done on any computer or tablet, so users can choose the device that best suits their unique needs.

When it comes to autism dating, socialization can be a huge roadblock. Face-to-face interactions can be intimidating, and can cause undue stress. Meeting online and messaging back and forth from the comfort of a keyboard can reduce some of the fear that comes with social interactions, allowing friendships to blossom at a pace that works for each individual. An autism dating site is a safe place to interact and improve social skills without having to alter a daily routine or face a new social situation too quickly.

Many people with special needs are nonverbal or have difficulty with speech, which can make it difficult to communicate in one-on-one situations. Online messaging through a special needs dating website like Special Bridge can create open lines of communication that simply wouldn’t be possible any other way. Meeting people online gives each user the ability to communicate without worrying about speech levels or ability. Parents can even help to type out messages for adults with fine motor skill challenges when needed.

Meeting new people can be difficult, even in special education classrooms and workshops for the developmentally delayed. Typically, these groups are very small, and the different degrees of mental ability vary widely, making it hard for young men and women to find someone that they can relate to on a personal and romantic level. A special needs dating service like Special Bridge allows people to find each other easily in a controlled environment, and it gives users the ability to search for people based on ability level. Finding people with the same ability level is a key component for a mental disorder dating site, and Special Bridge understands this need.

Online dating can help to eliminate social anxiety by allowing initial meetings to take place in a virtual space. Those living with Down Syndrome may be worried about how the outside world perceives them, and online interactions remove the looks and stares that come from unsupportive onlookers. Everyone at Special Bridge understands what it is like to be judged based on appearances, making it easier for everyone to relax and speak freely.

For many years, the standard thinking was to deny people with special needs the ability to have a healthy romantic and social life. The focus was on treatment and containment instead of fostering joy and allowing individuals to seek out companionship. This mentality has faded away, but the technology to help with Down Syndrome dating and social relationships for people with other developmental delays has not caught up, until now. Special Bridge fills this need, giving adults of all ages and ability levels the chance to be independent and seek out new companions with the help of a caring and supportive dating site for people with mental illness.

Special Bridge is the natural progression of how online dating can be used by people with special needs to improve their social skills while meeting new people in a controlled and supportive setting. The easy-to-use website allows adults with special needs and their parents to look for friends to engage with, possibly leading to real-life interactions and possible romantic relationships. Fulfilling the emotional needs of people with developmental disorders is critical for leading a happy and healthy life, and Special Bridge is a uniquely designed special needs dating service designed for this community.


39 comments:

  1. Ken Seifert

    April 18, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    Hello. My name is Ken. I work with people with disabilities. One of the guys I work with would like to join a dating service. He is living in foster home. He has been trying “plenty of fish”. I think he would do better on a special needs site. How do I get him going on it.

    Reply
    • specialbridge

      April 18, 2014 at 1:56 pm

      Hey Ken, thanks for your interest! Special Bridge would be a great option for him. He can sign up here: https://www.specialbridge.com/register/

      Reply
    • April

      May 29, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      I agree Ken Plenty of fish is a horrible site and it has s lot of livers and even drug addicts on it. Don’t get me wrong there are some good people as well like any place. For the man you work with tho I definitely agree with you this is not the best cite for him. Good luck, with helping him find a good cite.

      Reply
      • April

        May 29, 2016 at 4:38 pm

        I meant liers on it. Sorry, I’ve never used this cite either.

        Reply
  2. ANDREW

    August 23, 2014 at 2:45 am

    I am thinking about joining and seems like its cool

    Reply
  3. Tiffany Knox

    March 24, 2015 at 11:17 pm

    I think its really cool im trying to find a boyfriend right now

    Reply
    • Herman Floyd

      July 8, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Hey Tiffany I’m looking for a girlfriend how old are you

      Reply
  4. Mert

    September 21, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    hi im mert , im searching for a girlfriend

    Reply
    • Marnix jessurun lobo

      September 21, 2015 at 12:36 pm

      hello, me 2

      Reply
    • Hannah

      September 23, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      I am a intelengent happy person looking for someone to love and love me. I graduated high school and live in Jackson tn one week with my mom and Decatur al one week with my dad. I have a Facebook and am willing to text/

      Reply
      • Stephen

        October 31, 2018 at 11:30 pm

        Are you in Jackson nj? I am 20 years old and live in Voorhees New Jersey. I am searching for a lady that is open to a relationship even if it’s long distance . I am a fun-loving easy-going guy that loves life animals and just hanging out with family and friends. I love animals even though I’m allergic to cats I can tolerate them a little bit. I am looking for a friend or a possible relationship

        Reply
  5. Mert

    September 21, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    please

    Reply
  6. Mert

    September 21, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Mandalyn

      October 5, 2018 at 9:09 pm

      im looking for a boyfriend and to make friends

      Reply
  7. Traci McLaughlin

    February 22, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    My daughter Angela is learning disable. She’s got a drivers license. Every time someone asks her out,they take her home early, they figured something wrong with her. She’s 23 and gorgeous. She has needs sexually. I don’t know how to approach her with this site. Im also worried some pervert will contact her. That happened obn Christian website. How safe is this site

    Reply
    • toni

      March 8, 2016 at 5:30 am

      My son is 23 and can’t find friends or a girlfriend. He is desperate to meet people but had no idea where to go. We are in Cambridge.

      Reply
    • Cathie Davis

      September 2, 2016 at 12:40 am

      Hi Traci,. I have a 29 year old son who is in the same boat. He is the sweetest guy, works part time as a mechanics helper. We live in a small town and he wants to meet someone so badly. He had a girlfriend in high school for a year and hasn’t dated since.
      Would your daughter be interested in emailing/testing/skyping with Tyler? We are a good and loving family, as it sounds yours is as well. He is our only child and our greatest hope is that someday he will find love! Would love to hear from you, even just to chat about mom stuff…rctdavis@charter.net

      Cathie

      Reply
      • Kathy

        September 12, 2016 at 12:38 am

        This is such a sweet post!!! Your son is so lucky to have you and you’re so lucky to have him!

        Reply
    • Deborah Dobbs

      September 11, 2017 at 9:39 pm

      My son is 20 caring kind and very handsome. He has a little disability due to being born early. He loves sports movies and eating out. He also likes to travel and loves GOD. He does not have a girlfriend but loves conversation. I would like for him to have a girl to talk to that is decent kind and have good moral character.

      Reply
  8. Tammy jackson

    March 22, 2016 at 8:16 am

    Do you over LGBTQ services as well

    Reply
  9. Kim

    August 21, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    My brother is 40 and has his own place, has a job and his own car. He is developmentally challenged and has very little social skills and is very lonely, he needs friends and I’m sure he would like a girlfriend.

    He does not understand a lot of things about the world , my parents pay his bills from his account and then gets money for the week.

    I know there are other people like him

    His sister in Columbus

    Reply
  10. Lorraine

    August 23, 2016 at 11:25 am

    My daughter, Elizabeth, is 53 years old. We never did get an accurate diagnosis Believe she probably is autistic and have been told she might have cerebral palsy. She has her own apartment, with live-in assistance. She has had boyfriends in the past, but is having trouble connecting these days. I would like to find a way for her to connect . She is not comfortable on the phone and doesn’t have a computer, but she spends time with me on saturdays and she could communicate by computer then. Any advice?

    Her mom (Lorraine)

    Reply
  11. Antoinette Montgomery

    September 15, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    My son is 44 year old ( he look much younger than his age) who lives at home, he as a job and a car. He’s well mannered and a christian. My son is developmental challenged. He has a nice group of friends; they go out once a week. ( bowling, pool, out to eat, movies, etc.) The one thing lacking in his life is a nice healthy relationship with a nice young lady. We live in Atlanta, Georgia. Are there any chapters of your organization here.
    Can you help us, please.

    Antoinette.

    Reply
  12. Antoinette Montgomery

    September 15, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    My son is 44 years old ( he look much younger than his age) who lives at home, he as a job and a car. He’s well mannered and a christian. My son is developmentally challenged. He has a nice group of friends; they go out once a week. ( bowling, pool, out to eat, movies, etc.) The one thing lacking in his life is a nice healthy relationship with a nice young lady. We live in Atlanta, Georgia. Are there any chapters of your organization here.
    Can you help us, please.

    Antoinette.

    Reply
  13. MARY

    November 12, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    My son Justin is 30 . Has a job as a bag boy at Winn Dixie for 9 years. We live in Hollywood Florida and is feeling lonely wishing for a girlfriend. He lives at home and does not drive. He is very high functioning. Do you have any ideas for my area?

    Reply
  14. bibi

    April 12, 2017 at 7:26 am

    Hi i am from the Caribbean and i have a son he is 19 and he is down syndrome we of East Indian race, he is very handsome and caring he don’t go about places on his own. He can but i am afraid that some one might want to take advantage of him, he don’t have a job as yet i am so afraid of the outside world for him, he does everything for him self and he can interact, he can communicate, his speech is as of every other down syndrome person, he is our only son he is the eldest and we are very decent and honest Muslim family, we would try our best to support our son. He need a girl friend he can use phone and computer he has facebook and can use social media.

    Reply
  15. peggy boone

    May 10, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    My son is developmentally delayed. He works part-time, and drives ( has own car that he purchased). He is looking for a nice christian girlfriend.
    We live in Monroe Township, N.J.

    Reply
  16. Harriet Gut

    July 20, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    My brother Adam is 61 years old and would love to have a nice lady companion to do things with. He enjoys sporting events, going to the zoo, going into the city, etc. Adam is developmentally disabled. He does not drive or use the computer (I would be his conduit). He is very independent, but cannot live alone. We live in Westchester, IL
    Thank you,
    Harriet

    Reply
    • Jeri Hill

      September 19, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Hi! I’m looking for a companion,. My.location would be an issue, unfortunately. I live in socal. I’ll be going back to the bay area in spring 2018

      Reply
  17. Rose

    August 1, 2017 at 3:25 am

    My son is a handsome 37 year old who has cerebral palsy. He is kind, loves Illinois teams–Cubs, Bears and Bulls, enjoys music, movies and computer. He has worked in the past but not currently due to some health issues. He would love to have a girlfriend…it has been quite a few years now since he’s dated. He would be willing to email, write or talk on the phone. He does not drive…His name is GabrielπŸ’˜

    Reply
  18. Michelle

    September 30, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Hello
    I have a daughter that turns 22 on Oct 3rd and has been looking for boyfriend. We live in Hastings Mn. She has DD. And is a loving caring women(as she says) πŸ˜ƒ and beautiful. She has dated but has been taken advantage of . she is very Vaulnerable. She has her drivers permit. and is working on finding a forever job.and on S.S. is there anyone out there in the same area.

    Reply
  19. Joe

    October 6, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    Hi
    I drive, have a job and graduated high school in special ed. I am 34 years old and live in Putnam county, New York. I would love to meet a nice girl that is in my age bracket. Anyone out there?

    Reply
  20. Joyce

    April 4, 2018 at 6:30 am

    My daughter is 35. She has aspergers and anxiety.

    Reply
  21. Mike

    April 12, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    Hi, I’m Mike. I’m a 44 year old man that has had a difficult time finding someone on the same level as me. This website is very interesting to me. I would really like help to meet someone from here.

    Reply
  22. Marrianne

    June 17, 2018 at 9:23 am

    My son is 19 years old, he is physically normal, he can speak and communicate, he is a kind hearted person, joyous person, caring and respectful, he is handsome and tall, he has development delay and he is looking for a girlfriend. I would like for him to have a girlfriend who’s decent, kind and God fearing individual. We are from Philippines, it is not necessary if you are from Philippines. You can email me (his mother) if you are interested. Thank you so much. EMAIL: japing_30@yahoo.com

    Reply
  23. Support Coordinator

    July 17, 2018 at 9:56 am

    I am a Support Coordinator in NJ and I work with several individuals that would benefit from assistance in dating and just meeting new friends in general.

    Reply
  24. Mandalyn

    October 5, 2018 at 9:12 pm

    I’m looking for a boyfriend and to make friends

    Reply
  25. Danny

    November 25, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    Hi my name is Danny and I’m 37 years old and live with my parents, I was born with a slight slow learning disorder but you would never know it if you met me. I don’t have a drivers license yet but I’m working on that with my mom’s help. I’m a nice looking man with a huge heart, I like to watch football mainly Georgia Bulldogs, we live on 4 acres of land, I want to get into raising Bees here on our property. My mom works during the day, my dad is retired and has a back disability but he still gets around well. We have and love animals, we have chickens, ducks, dogs and cats and a huge fish pond. I have a lot of Facebook friends but I’m very lonely and would like to have a girl friend to
    talk to and maybe get to know. I hate the tough of spending my life alone. If your interested please email my mom @ cdmil1959@gmail.com for my Facebook information. Looking forward to making a friend.

    Reply
    • lillian tietz

      November 15, 2019 at 1:27 pm

      I have a 37 year old daughter name is Denise who would love to have a (boy) friend to communicate with she is a wiz on the computer she has Down Syndrome she is high functioning makes it hard for her to find someone is the youngest of 8 children the only girl she lives at home with me her mom lost my husband 19 months ago she is having a hard time so she does need friends outside of her family. she is a very pretty if you are interested contact me at the above email address

      Reply

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