Effects of Toys or Group Composition for Children With Disabilities: A Synthesis

Abstract

This synthesis reviewed the findings of 13 intervention studies, published between 1975 and June 1999, that examined the effects of manipulation of toys or group composition on social behaviors of 3- to 5-year-old children with disabilities. The purpose, participants, intervention, measurement, and findings of each study are described. An analysis of study outcomes is provided for (a) toy effect, (b) group composition effect, and (c) toy effect combined with group composition effect. Positive outcomes were associated with children's playing with social toys and play groups that included children with and without disabilities.