Developing Play Skills in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

This pilot study is an exploratory investigation into the effectiveness of the routine and systematic use of a specific play intervention common in many mainstream early years settings meeting the needs of children with autistic spectrum disorders. The intervention, known locally as Tabletop Identiplay, combines the use of a play script with adult mirroring. The study uses video observations and key worker questionnaires to assess children's play behaviour pre‐intervention and post‐intervention. It follows a single case design involving three children, all with a diagnosis of autism. It was found that all three showed positive changes in their play behaviour, both in terms of the functional use of toys and in their social interactions with peers. The findings are discussed with regard to the possible mechanisms underpinning such changes and recommends further activity in the field of play and children with autism.