LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inclusion of those with special needs can promote good understanding, awareness and acceptance for all involved. Bestselling autism memoir author, Monica Holloway, of Cowboy & Wills [Simon & Schuster], encourages after-school play dates with peers as an opportunity for interaction and socialization for those with autism. She offers the following play date tips, with help from recent articles by Autism Speaks and ABC News:
"Through play dates, my son, Wills, developed building blocks for many life skills, including forming strong bonds with peers. Play dates weren't always easy for him, but through preparation and organization, we learned to make those types of interactions successful, positive and meaningful for all involved," says Holloway.
ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically-acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People. Holloway lives with her son and husband in California. http://www.monicaholloway.com/ https://twitter.com/monica_holloway
ABOUT COWBOY AND WILLS: Cowboy & Wills, published by Simon & Schuster, tells the story of the golden retriever puppy that changed Monica Holloway's disabled son's life by becoming his first friend and coaxing him out into the world. http://www.cowboyandwills.com https://www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills
ABOUT AUTISM: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism now affects about 1 in every 88 American children. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships. http://www.autismspeaks.org