Definition
Circle of friends is a conceptual framework that has been used to develop interventions to promote inclusion of individuals with disabilities in mainstream settings through relationship development with peers, especially individuals at particular risk of rejection or social isolation. A more specific definition refers to “circle of friends” as a group of people who gather around a person who has become excluded or isolated (Falvey, Forest, Pearpoint & Rosenberg, 1997).
Historical Background
The circle of friends intervention was initially developed in Canada to facilitate the deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities transitioning to their local communities. Circle of friends was subsequently applied to supporting the inclusion of pupils with special needs in their local mainstream schools (Forest & Lusthaus, 1989). Circle of friends also was adapted to support children experiencing emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties in schools (Newton, Taylor, &...
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References and Readings
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Goldstein, H. (2013). Circle of Friends. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_487
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