The founding of Echidnas began at a conference on Asperger's Syndrome in 2001 with two parents, Darla Golden and LeeAnn Betts seeking a friendship while learning social and life skills  for their teenagers with Asperger’s Syndrome.  In May 2002 they were joined by Carol Altimeyer and five other families and the first meeting took place at a local community college.   The original goal was to meet and work on a specific skill, then to take that skill and practice it in various settings. The group would have social outings for the pre-teens and teens to use these skills in different environments. Parents would be actively involved by working on committees. Moderators would work with the students providing them with the freedom to express themselves with confidentiality and trust. The moderators would be informed with up-to-date information in the field of Asperger's Syndrome and HFA and work closely with parents.   From the conception of "I just want a friend for my son" grew a group of families who care about one another, share experiences, help with ideas and provide a warm accepting environment for our students to learn social skills and develop friendships.    From an Echidnas Parent:  My son never really understood what it meant to be a friend or have friends - he only knew he wanted one.  After attending several Echidnas meetings, he suddeny had a group he fit into.  He immediately felt comfortable and now looks forward to spending time with his friends.