DOI: 10.37233/trsped.drr.2037121 ISSN: 2687-6213

Social Participation of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Peer Network Implementation on a University Campus

Şenol Demirtaş, Nilüfer Altun, Necdet Karasu
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This article describes how a peer network intervention can be implemented in out-of-school settings to support the social participation of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), drawing on a project conducted on a university campus. The five-day program involved seven students with ASD and 14 typically developing peers. Seven peer networks were established, each comprising one student with ASD and two peers. Peers received training before joint activities, and activities were planned around shared interests, including drama, art, sports, technology, music, campus exploration, and naturally occurring social routines. Adult facilitation, safety procedures, transportation, and logistical arrangements supported implementation throughout the program. The university campus provided varied physical and social resources that combined structured activities with natural opportunities for interaction. The implementation experience highlights the importance of carefully planning peer selection, adult support, safety, staffing, and the transfer of practices to school settings. The article offers a practical framework for educators and practitioners seeking to implement peer network interventions in community settings.

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