A Review of Interventions Designed to Increase Sharing Behaviors in Children with Social Delays or Deficits

Sharing materials is a complex social behavior that may lead to long-term development of friendships and concomitant increases in related prosocial behaviors. Given the complexities of sharing behaviors, children with social delays or deficits may not recognize when, how, and with whom to share. Because children with social delays or deficits, especially those with disabilities, may not engage in typical sharing behaviors, and because these behaviors are important, identifying interventions for sharing and related social behaviors are crucial. The purpose of this review was to identify sharing interventions, evaluate methodological rigor, and assess intervention effectiveness. Twenty single-case designs published in 11 articles were included. Some studies reported variable results and had considerable methodological limitations. Results of high-quality studies are promising and provide a foundation for future research on sharing behaviors.