Investigated friendship patterns among four-year-old mildly developmentally delayed and three- and four-year-old nonhandicapped children participating in a series of mainstreamed playgroups. Most children preferred a specific peer, but only a few mildly delayed children and three-year-olds were able to establish reciprocal friendships. (SKC)

Existing assessment instruments (N=54) containing items in the area of early child-care social development were examined in terms of their usefulness with regard to intervention oriented assessment for handicapped children. Tests included four major types: early childhood, social behavior, criterion referenced, and clinical tests. The frequency,…

Available evidence indicates that a substantial majority of young children with intellectual delays exhibit special problems in forming peer relationships and developing friendships. This increased social isolation from peers poses a considerable threat to their mental health in both the short and long term. This problem is related to but extends…

Interviews with mothers of preschool age children with established disabilities (n=230) and those classified as at-risk (n=32) were conducted, focusing on issues of children's peer relations and friendships. Mothers of children in both integrated and specialized settings perceived their respective settings as facilitating social development. Both…