Friendship Begins with Shared Experience

Children do not need to be alike to enjoy doing something together. A shared game, creative project, movement activity, or common interest can create room for curiosity and connection.

Different perspectives, shared experiences

Peer Ambassadors and Apex clients each have something to share and something new to discover. Neurodivergent and neurotypical children may communicate, play, and join activities in different ways. No single way is the right way to make a connection.

Peer Ambassadors come to be peers

Ambassadors do not provide therapy, teach clinical skills, supervise other children, or manage clinical needs. They take part, enjoy activities, express their interests, and learn about other perspectives through shared experiences. There is no expectation that they make a friendship happen or change how another child communicates.

Shared play as part of individualized therapy

When clinically appropriate and authorized by a participating Apex client’s parent or guardian, peer interaction may be incorporated into existing individualized therapy. Each participating Apex client must have their own dedicated RBT throughout peer interaction, with BCBA oversight. Apex professionals support the client’s individualized plan while peers enjoy an activity together. Peer interaction does not replace the plan or create a separate treatment protocol.

Many ways to take part

A child may talk, use a communication device, play side by side, watch before joining, take a break, or choose a different activity. Apex staff are there to support everyone, and each participant’s preferences and boundaries matter.

Explore the Apex Peer Ambassador Program for information about eligibility, activities, and next steps.