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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Similarities in Functional Play and Differences in Symbolic Play of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kathy Thiemann-Bourque1, Lynette K Johnson1, Nancy C Brady1
1Kathy Thiemann-Bourque, University of Kansas, Juniper Gardens Children's Project; Lynette K. Johnson, Delta Behavioral Group, PLLC; and Nancy C. Brady, University of Kansas, Speech, Language, and Hearing Department.
Abstract:
Contradictory reports of play strengths and weaknesses for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) persist in the literature. We compared the play of 19 children with ASD to 19 typically developing (TD) children matched on language and cognitive skills. All children were verbal. Results revealed no differences in indiscriminate actions, functional play, and object interest. The children with ASD showed less symbolic play and a significantly fewer number of children met criteria for emerging or mastered symbolic play. A specific deficit was observed for "doll as agent" symbolic play. Outcomes suggest that compared to children without disabilities, children with ASD may have comparable functional play skills and struggle with the transition to some, but not all types of symbolic play.
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