Effects of Social Play Activities on the Play Behavior of Children with Autism

Abstract

This study explores the effects of utilizing four social levels of play: isolate, dyadic, group, and team on the appropriate play behavior of children with autism in an integrated leisure education/physical education program. Recreation activities representing the four social levels of play were implemented during 10-minute periods on a randomized basis within a multielement design. Same-age peers without disabilities, who were trained to participate in integrated activities, were present during all four conditions. Results indicated that not only did the type of play activity significantly influence the frequency of appropriate play behavior exhibited by the children, but that they consistently played more appropriately in the more developmentally advanced (i.e., team, group, dyadic) play activities as compared with their frequency of appropriate play in isolate play activities. Based on these findings, suggestions are made for furthering the development of recreation and play curricula to serve individuals with autism in integrated settings.