Exploring the social impact of being a typical peer model for included children with autism spectrum disorder
Jill Locke, Erin Rotheram-Fuller, Connie Kasari, Jill Locke, Erin Rotheram-Fuller, Connie Kasari
Abstract
This study examined the social impact of being a typical peer model as part of a social skills intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were drawn from a randomized-controlled-treatment trial that examined the effects of targeted interventions on the social networks of 60 elementary-aged children with ASD. Results demonstrated that typical peer models had higher social network centrality, received friendships, friendship quality, and less loneliness than non-peer models. Peer models were also more likely to be connected with children with ASD than non-peer models at baseline and exit. These results suggest that typical peers can be socially connected to children with ASD, as well as other classmates, and maintain a strong and positive role within the classroom.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00095420.
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Source: PubMed