The children’s play in autism

Abstract

Background: the children’s play is very important to diagnosis. Several studies have indicated that receptive language and, to a lesser extent, expressive language are significantly correlated with symbolic play in samples of autistic children. The aim of this study was to analyse the children’s play in individuals with aqutism. Method: the sample included 11 autistic children, boys and girls from three to six years old. We used Wetherby and Prutting’s criteria. These criteria were analysed in free situation and direction situations. Results: we observed a statistically significant higher score in sensorimotor category in both situations. And 0% showed the symbolic play in both situations. Conclusion: we concluded that it is an important aspect of communication and it should be considered as a significant signal of communication disorder in autism.