An exploration of the social and friendship experiences of adolescent girls with developmental disabilities: Perspectives of girls and their parents.

BACKGROUND This study explored the social and friendship experiences of adolescent girls with developmental disabilities through the perspectives of girls and their parents. METHOD An inductive approach based on Merriam and Tisdell's qualitative design was used, together with components of grounded theory. Interviews were completed with 12 adolescent girls with developmental disabilities and their parents. RESULTS Contrary to the persistent narrative of girls with developmental disabilities as disinterested in friendships, girls in this study showed a strong interest in social opportunities and friendships. Unfortunately, the social environments that the girls have been placed in were rarely affirming of their social profiles, and parents were often expected to compensate for this lack of support. Participants reported a variety of social challenges. CONCLUSION Stronger social support including environments that are affirming of the unique profile of girls with developmental disabilities is warranted.