1. False. Children with special needs have fewer friendships than their normal peers, but they are behaviorally similar.

2. False. Solitary and parallel play are the dominant play forms for youngsters with special needs.

3. True. Children who are extremely shy can benefit from playing with children who are younger than themselves. It can give them confidence. However, in such interactions, the older child tends to be more controlling and "adult like." Therefore, he/she should not play exclusively with younger children since friendships are balanced and reciprocal.

4. False. Children with friendships are more likely to take turns leading and following.

5. True. Social awareness is a critical skill in children with friends. Children with disabilities often do not respond to approaches and may, therefore, extinguish efforts to interact.

6. True. Social competence and friendship skills are largely learned through observation.

7. True. Young children also tend to form friendships with those of the same sex.

8. True. There is a significant relationship between reciprocal play between mother and child and friendship formation. In addition, boys who are liked by others tend to have fathers who are positive and reinforcing.

9. True. Children who have not formed at least one friendship by age six tend to be at risk of future mental health problems. They are more likely to drop out of school, become delinquent, have marital problems, and have problems with parenting. Friendships in early childhood provide the opportunity to learn how to influence same age peers who are equal in power and in status. Friendships facilitate separation from mother and the development of autonomy. Friendships are enhanced by self-esteem and connectiveness.

10. True. Within a small group more communication and participation can occur among the group members, therefore communication is facilitated. Small groups are also viewed as less intimidating and more structured.