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The Development and Maintenance of Friendship in High-Functioning Children with Autism

The current study investigated mothers’ perceptions of the development of friendship in high-functioning children with autism and in typically developing children. Fourteen mothers in each group (autism, typical) completed the Childhood Friendship Survey regarding their children’s friendships. Main results indicated that both groups (autism and typical) tended to have same-gender and same-age friendships. However, friendships of children with autism differ compared with typical children’s friendships on number of friends, friendship duration, frequency of meetings, and type of activities. Half of the friendships in the autism group were mixed (friendship with a typically developing child). Mixed differed from non-mixed friendships in that mixed pairs met and played mostly at home, whereas non- mixed pairs met and played at school. Factors contributing to the development and formation of friendship in each group are discussed.