Subtypes of nonsocial play: comparisons between young children with and without developmental delays

Subtypes of nonsocial play were examined for matched groups of young typically developing children and children with mild developmental (cognitive) delays. Based on intercorrelation patterns, interindividual stability, and associations with peer interaction measures, findings indicated that the nonsocial play of children with delays can be characterized as multidimensional in a manner similar to that of typically developing children. However, analyses suggest different interpretations of the psychological meaning of nonsocial play subtypes for both groups of children than indicated by previous work. Context factors did not influence nonsocial play subtypes. Evidence was found indicating considerable heterogeneity within subtypes, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies focusing on children's peer-related social competence, which may reveal subgroups within subtypes that both refine the constructs and provide direction for clinical interventions.