Characteristics of peer models at a summer camp for children with autism
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13017193 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jonna Bobzien (0000-0002-5124-1862, Old Dominion University, corresponding author), Sharon Judge (Old Dominion University) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 237-248 |
| Publication date | 2014-11-04 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal for Multicultural Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2053-535X • E-ISSN: 2053-5368 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1108/jme-04-2014-0017 |
| OpenAlex | W2036526793 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Purpose – The purpose of this study was to examine the openness, growth and loneliness of typical peers volunteering at a summer day camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors obtained descriptive data on the attitudes and behaviors of 38 adolescent peer buddies without disabilities volunteering at a summer camp for children with ASD using four short surveys. Surveys were given prior to the start of camp in an attempt to capture the attitudes and perspectives of the participants before they became more familiar with the characteristics of the children with ASD who were attending the camp. The authors examined if there were group differences on attitudes and behaviors based on age, gender and first-time volunteer versus returning volunteer peer buddy. Findings – The analysis showed that all volunteer peer buddies appeared open to interacting, playing and developing friendships with the child represented in the vignette with ASD. Participants indicated increased feelings of independence, ample ability to establish friendships and a desire for adventurous and explorative activities. Significant differences were found based on age and gender on openness to a peer with ASD characteristics. Originality/value – The results of this study have the potential to serve a broader purpose by demonstrating the types of children and adolescents that may be optimal choices to serve as peer mentors or buddies for peers with ASD attending summer camps or other community-based programs, as well as in classroom settings
Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Developmental psychology · Feeling · Friendship · Loneliness · Openness to experience · Originality · Peer group · Typically developing · Vignette · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Family and Disability Support Research · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support
| Highly cited | No |
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