Learn more about Circle of Friends, including how to facilitate a group at your school, by watching the two webinars below. Before viewing, make a copy of this Next Steps Planning Guide. Complete the guide as you watch the webinars. When completed, feel free to contact mary.schlieder@gmail.com to arrange a 15-30 minute Zoom session at a convenient time for you to have questions answered and receive help developing a CoF plan to fit your needs. All training and ongoing support is free. There is no cost to implement CoF groups.
Circle of Friends (COF) is a form of Peer Mediated Intervention (PMI). PMI is defined as a treatment approach in which typically developing peers are trained to implement behavioral interventions and facilitate social skills development in special needs populations. It has been identified as an established treatment with positive outcomes for children with autism (National Autism Center, 2009; 2015).
Originally implemented with preschoolers, the Circle of Friends model has been used to support individuals on the autism spectrum of all ages through the college level. It can be used to support any student with behavioral or social needs.
COF is a Tier 2 level Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) targeted intervention. It is appropriate for K-12 grade levels.
Emerging research indicates CoF can:
increase the quality of social interactions for children with disabilities
replace physical-only inclusion with true social inclusion
prevent bullying
develop empathy and caring in peers
give group facilitators confidence in teaching social skills
support parents in their quest to meet their children's social needs
decrease office behavioral referrals
increase academic classroom participation
How Does This Benefit Me?: A Case Study on the Long Term Impact of Circle of Friends Participation
Circle of Friends: Evidence-Based Practice
An Investigation of 'Circle of Friends' Peer-Mediated Intervention for Students with Autism
An Evidence-Based Practice Review Report
Use of the Circle of Friends Strategy to Improve Social Acceptance and Interactions
Service Vs. Need: Circle of Friends in an IEP
Overview of Peer-Mediated Instruction and Intervention
PMI: Advancing Social Conversation Skills of Adolescents
Peer-Mediated Support Strategies
Circle of Friends and Person Centered Planning
Effects of Disability Awareness Educational Awareness Programs on an Inclusive Classroom