Peer social networks of young boys with developmental delays.

Community-based peer social networks of young boys with developmental delays and parental arranging and monitoring of their child's peer contacts were examined. Comparisons were made to matched groups of children who were developing typically and to children with communication disorders. Results showed more limited peer social networks for both groups of children with disabilities based primarily on the frequency of contacts with peers and linkages established across school and community settings. All three groups were indistinguishable from one another on numerous measures of peer social networks, including duration and quality of individual relationships and participation in organized group activities with peers. Groups also differed on parental arranging and monitoring, which appeared to be related to children's developmental level.