Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
An examination of interactions among children with autism and their typically developing peers
Katrine Sophie Gunn1, David Trembath, Kristelle Hudry
1Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University , Australia.
Objective:
To determine whether pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) interact differently with their peers with ASD compared to their typically developing (TD) peers, across three activities (free play, structured group time and semi-structured play) in an early intervention setting.
Methods:
We completed a series of non-experimental case studies involving 13 children with ASD and two TD peers.
Results:
We found trends, but no uniform differences, in the frequency or quality of means by which the children with ASD interacted with one another versus with their TD peers across the three contexts. The children with ASD interacted with both peer types more frequently during the semi-structured and structured activities, than during free play.
Conclusions:
The children with ASD showed no clear bias towards one peer type over the other. Semi-structured activities may be the best context in which to facilitate peer interactions involving children with ASD in early intervention settings.
More Related Videos
08:42A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
10:11Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism
Published on: December 14, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...