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Friendship Experiences of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Their Peers: A Meta-Synthesis.

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Title: Friendship Experiences of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Their Peers: A Meta-Synthesis.
Authors: Douglas, Sarah N., Josol, Cynde K.
Source: Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities; Dec2025, Vol. 40 Issue 4, p189-199, 11p
Subject Terms: RECOGNITION (Psychology), PSYCHOLOGY of children with disabilities, CHILD psychopathology, AFFINITY groups, EMOTIONS, EXPERIENCE, SYSTEMATIC reviews, THEMATIC analysis, CHILDHOOD friendships, HAPPINESS, SOCIAL skills, META-synthesis, SOCIAL stigma
Abstract: Friendships are a critical component of a healthy quality of life and provide numerous benefits for all individuals but can include significant barriers for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND). Despite calls for an increase in inclusive educational practices, limited research exists to explore the nature of friendships between children with disabilities and their peers. A qualitative meta-synthesis of studies between 2000 and 2022 was conducted to summarize qualitative research exploring the friendship experiences of children with NDs. Findings from 14 studies noted a number of themes and subthemes related to defining friendship, friendship experiences, barriers to friendship, and facilitators of friendship between children with disabilities and their peers. Implications for policy and practice, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
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Abstract:Friendships are a critical component of a healthy quality of life and provide numerous benefits for all individuals but can include significant barriers for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND). Despite calls for an increase in inclusive educational practices, limited research exists to explore the nature of friendships between children with disabilities and their peers. A qualitative meta-synthesis of studies between 2000 and 2022 was conducted to summarize qualitative research exploring the friendship experiences of children with NDs. Findings from 14 studies noted a number of themes and subthemes related to defining friendship, friendship experiences, barriers to friendship, and facilitators of friendship between children with disabilities and their peers. Implications for policy and practice, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10883576
DOI:10.1177/10883576251349208