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Object play in infants with autism: methodological issues in retrospective video analysis
Grace T Baranek1, Carolyn R Barnett, Erin M Adams
1Division of Occupational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7120, USA. gbaranek@med.unc.edu
Summary
Early autism identification using object play analysis in infants shows functional play at 9-12 months is key. Exploratory play duration is not a reliable indicator for autism diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Infant Behavioral Studies
Background:
- Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for intervention effectiveness.
- Object play skills in infancy offer potential early behavioral markers for neurodevelopmental differences.
- Retrospective video analysis combined with computer-based coding presents a novel methodological approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate object play skills in 9-12 month old infants at high risk for autism.
- To identify methodological challenges in using video analysis for early autism detection.
- To assess the feasibility of computer-based coding for analyzing infant object play.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of home videos from 32 infants (11 autism, 10 developmental delay, 11 typical development).
- Utilized The Observer 3.0 software for coding object play duration and highest developmental level (exploratory, relational, functional, symbolic).
- Focused on retrospective video analysis of object play behaviors at 9-12 months of age.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the duration of exploratory play among the three infant groups.
- Infants with autism and developmental delay showed similar object engagement levels as typically developing infants.
- Higher-level object play (functional) was observed only in the typically developing group at 9-12 months.
Conclusions:
- Object play skills, particularly functional play, may serve as an early indicator for autism in infants.
- Retrospective video analysis with computer-based coding is a feasible method for studying infant play behaviors.
- Duration of exploratory play alone is insufficient for the early identification of autism in 9-12 month old infants.