Numerous dimensions of the peer social networks of children with Down syndrome were examined within a developmental framework. Results revealed that for many key measures, particularly involvement in play, linkages to other settings, and control of play, children with Down syndrome have less well-developed peer networks even in comparison to a…

This longitudinal study examined the social interactions of children with mild developmental (cognitive) delays with friends across the early childhood and early elementary years. Results revealed increases in many forms of social exchange with effect sizes in the moderate range, but no changes in sustained interactive play. Social interaction…

Mildly developmentally delayed 3- and 4-year-old children (N=16) were paired with nonhandicapped younger or older children to evaluate effects of companion status on social and play behavior. The subjects' peer interactions improved substantially only when paired with nonhandicapped older children. (Author/DB)

Subtypes of nonsocial play were examined for matched groups of young typically developing children and children with mild developmental (cognitive) delays. Findings indicated that the nonsocial play of these children can be characterized as multidimensional in a manner similar to that of typically developing children. However, context did not…

Examined peer-related social interactions of preschool children with communication disorders. Found that subjects engaged in fewer positive social interactions and conversed with peers less often during nonplay activities than did normal peers, were less successful in their social bids, and appeared to be less directive with their peers. However,…

Normally developing and mildly developmentally delayed preschool-age boys were brought together to form playgroups. Videotapes of the groups and peer sociometric ratings indicated that delayed children had a deficit in peer-related social interactions and were seen as less competent and of lower social status by peers. (PCB)

A short-term longitudinal study of the peer-related social interactions of 111 developmentally delayed toddlers and preschool children was carried out. Results suggested the existence of unusually marked deficits in peer interactions. Possible contributing factors were discussed. (Author/RH)

Compared conflict resolution patterns of mildly developmentally delayed preschoolers to those of older and younger typically developing children matched for age or developmental level. Analysis of naturally occurring conflicts showed that delayed children exhibit more negative and less adaptive interaction style, even compared to typically…

Observations were made of the social participation, constructiveness of play, and communicative interactions of developmentally delayed and non-delayed preschool children as they interacted in heterogeneous groups. The only significant effect of heterogeneous group composition on the children was reduced inappropriate play by severely delayed…

To obtain information on the potential benefits of integration, the study investigated the nature and extent of social interactions among 37 mildly, moderately, severely, and nonhandicapped preschool children at different developmental levels. (Author)

Presented are a conceptual and empirical framework and two research reports on the promotion of language and social skills of handicapped preschool children through involvement with nonhandicapped peers. (DB)

It has been well established that young children with communication disorders (CD) have considerable difficulties interacting socially with peers in free-play settings. The central purpose of this study was to determine whether behavioral adaptations of children with CD could contribute to their peer interaction problems. To accomplish this, the…

The peer interactions and cognitive levels of play of mildly developmentally delayed preschool children were compared as they participated in mainstreamed and specialized settings. They engaged in substantially higher rates of peer-related social behaviors and constructive play when mainstreamed. Factors affecting early childhood mainstreaming…

A study of 12 playgroups (n=6 children per playgroup) examined the sequential process of social participation with peers for young children with mild developmental delays. Results reveal the existence of highly similar sequential play patterns between children with and without mild developmental delays and across specialized and inclusive…

This study compared peer interactions in 12 play groups of 6 preschool children each, containing either typically developing children, children with developmental delays, or both typical and delayed children. Results indicated higher levels of peer interactions in mainstreamed settings but a lack of full acceptance of children with delays by…