Abstract
Children with autism are often described as having deficient play skills, particularly symbolic play. We compared the play
of 35 children with autism to 38 children with other developmental delays. All children were preschool-age and produced less
than 20 different words. Results indicated no significant differences across the two groups in their play. Children with autism
engaged in more conventional play, that is, putting objects together according to how the toys were constructed (e.g., pieces
in a puzzle, lid on a teapot). Results also indicated high correlations between play, language, and cognitive measures. Findings
indicate that play relates to language and cognitive levels yet may not discriminate children with autism and children with
other developmental delays early in their development.
of 35 children with autism to 38 children with other developmental delays. All children were preschool-age and produced less
than 20 different words. Results indicated no significant differences across the two groups in their play. Children with autism
engaged in more conventional play, that is, putting objects together according to how the toys were constructed (e.g., pieces
in a puzzle, lid on a teapot). Results also indicated high correlations between play, language, and cognitive measures. Findings
indicate that play relates to language and cognitive levels yet may not discriminate children with autism and children with
other developmental delays early in their development.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1317-7
- Authors
- Kathy S. Thiemann-Bourque, Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Ave, Room 1065, Lawrence, KS 66045-7555, USA
- Nancy C. Brady, Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Ave, Room 1065, Lawrence, KS 66045-7555, USA
- Kandace K. Fleming, Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Ave, Room 1065, Lawrence, KS 66045-7555, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257