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Efficacy of Peer Network Interventions

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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Definition

Peer network interventions are a type of peer-mediated instruction/intervention in which peers are selected to form a network around a student with disabilities, and regularly scheduled opportunities for the network to interact are provided during noninstructional times (e.g., lunch, between classes, before school) with ongoing support from an adult facilitator (Carter et al. 2013). Social outcomes are the primary goals of peer network interventions, including increasing opportunities for students to meet new people, supporting friendship development, and encouraging students to engage in social activities during and outside of school (Carter et al. 2013, 2014). To date, peer network interventions have been implemented primarily with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an effort to address social and communication challenges.

Two to six peers (i.e., peer partners) are selected to join the student with ASD, and together, they create the peer network. The desirable...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Education Department, University of Michigan – Flint, Flint, MI, USA

    Melissa A. Sreckovic

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  1. Melissa A. Sreckovic
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Correspondence to Melissa A. Sreckovic .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Sreckovic, M.A. (2020). Efficacy of Peer Network Interventions. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102383-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102383-1

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