Social participation for students with special needs in inclusive schools: a scoping review

Social participation is necessary for students with special needs to achieve social inclusion. This study focuses on the research characteristics, themes, characteristics, and influencing factors of social participation among students with special needs in inclusive settings by analyzing 63 relevant empirical studies. The results reveal that the research on the social participation of students with special needs was concentrated in primary and secondary schools, and the research methods include sociometric techniques, scale measurement, and observation. Social participation for students with special needs include four themes: joint activities, social behavior, peer relationships, and social self-perception. The social participation of students with special needs demonstrated a tendency toward open places and structured activities, diverse behavioral patterns, poor social participation results, negative peer relationships, and differences in social self-perception. These students’ social participation was affected by such factors as individuals, peers, teachers, and supports.