title: Social networks and participation with others for youth with learning, attention, and autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Social participation involves activities and roles providing interactions with others, including those within their social networks.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to characterize social networks and participation with others for 36 youth, ages 11 to 16 years, with (n = 19) and without (n = 17) learning disability, attention disorder, or high-functioning autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Social networks were measured using methods of personal network analysis. The Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment With Whom dimension scores were used to measure participation with others. Youth from the clinical group were interviewed regarding their experiences within their social networks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group differences were observed for six social network variables and in the proportion of overall, physical, recreational, social, and informal activities engaged with family and/or friends. Qualitative findings explicated strategies used in building, shaping, and maintaining social networks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Social network factors should be considered when seeking to understand social participation.
authors.forename: Consuelo M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kreider
authors.forename: Roxanna M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bendixen
authors.forename: Mary Ellen
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Prudencio
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCarty
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Mann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011998:Recreation; D058992:Social Participation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Adolescence; Adolescent development; Social environment; Social network analysis; Social participation