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ERIC Number: ED576637
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Efficacy of Peer Networks to Increase Social Connections among High School Students with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hochman, Julia M.; Carter, Erik W.; Bottema-Beutel, Kristen; Harvey, Michelle N.; Gustafson, Jenny R.
Grantee Submission, Exceptional Children v82 n1 p96-116 Oct 2015
Although peer interaction takes on increased salience during adolescence, such social connections remain elusive for many high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This social isolation can be particularly prevalent within unstructured school contexts.In this study, we examined the effects of a lunchtime peer network intervention on the social engagement and peer interactions of four adolescent students with ASD. Upon introduction of the peer networks, we observed substantial increases in the percentage of intervals containing peer interactions and social engagement across all participants. Further, students with ASD, peer partners, and school personnel all considered the intervention to be acceptable and feasible. We offer recommendations for research and practice aimed at enhancing the efficacy and social validity of peer-mediated interventions at the secondary school level. [This paper was published in "Exceptional Children" (EJ1074986).]
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Childhood Autism Rating Scale; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324C120006