The following explanation was prepared by the parent of a child with AS:
Circle of Friends is a program for children who have difficulties making friendships. The object is
to make sure the child is included in activities and feel a part of a group. A facilitator is required and could be a parent, counselor, or teacher.
A social "map" is prepared for the child with the child's help. This map of circles lists the social contacts of the child.
Think of it as the concentric circles that are made when a stone is dropped into the water. In the center is the child. In the next ring closest to the child are the immediate support people(parents, brothers, sisters). In the next circle are the advocates (Dr's. teachers, counselors, maybe a neighbor, or minister). In the outer circle are the child's friends.
Usually this outer ring has the fewest people. Then there is another ring drawn with a best friend. For the child with social difficulties, this ring is almost always empty.
Once it is determined who are in each the rings a meeting is held for the entire class. The system is explained to the class by 1 or 2 classmates who have volunteered to be mapped. This map is drawn on the board. Most classmates will have several friends on the second to outer ring and usually one or two in the outside ring.
Then the map is drawn for the child with disabilities. Volunteers are asked to be in the child's circles. Almost always there are a half dozen volunteers. These children then act as mentors for the child.
These classmates make sure they greet the child, walk to class with him or be friendly or helpful in other ways. There are weekly meetings (usually 15-20 minutes) in which the mentors talk about what the good things were that happened that week and then they discuss behaviors which may have caused problems and suggest ways to correct them.
The child also participates and tells what he liked and didn't like for that week. The goal is a situation in which everyone learns and friendships develop.
This is a program that can be written into a child's IEP and it is important that facilitator must be trained to achieve optimum results.
ANOTHER USE OF CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Tony Attwood, PhD, in his book ASPERGER'S SYNDROME: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS, discusses the use of the same system of circles to explain to the child with Asperger Syndrome appropriateness of social contact. Using the same descriptions from above, with the family being in the innermost circle and strangers being in the outermost circle, this method can be used to explain appropriate behaviors. For example, hugs and kisses would be appropriate for the immediate family and close friends, but not for those in the outer circles. He recommends the use of pictures as visual aides which indicate appropriate behaviors for each "level" of relationship.
Materials for Circle of
Friends
"Common Sense Tools: MAPS and Circles for Inclusive
Education"
by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint
Ordered from:
Centre for Integrated Education and Community
24 Thome Crescent
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6H255
Phone: 416-658-5363
Circle of Friends
James Stanfield Company
Drawer 66
Post Office Box 41058
Santa Barbara, California 93140
Home to O.A.S.I.S.