Interactional characteristics of play in children with suspected Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication difficulties due to language deficiency and the use of imagination to deal with symbolic games, difficulty in socialization and pattern of restrictive and repetitive behavior. Objective: To describe the interaction characteristics in relation to functional and symbolic play of three children with suspected ASD. Method: Three male patients aged between 3 years and 4 years and 6 months, from spontaneous demand for a speech therapy service of a pediatric hospital, were part of the study. The procedures consisted of an initial interview with parents/guardians and the analysis of interaction with the evaluator through semi-structured play proposed by the Behavioral Assessment Protocol for Children with Suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder – Revised (PROTEA-R). Results: The 2 children at risk of ASD presented impaired use of language for communication and lack of effectiveness in shared attention, while the one who did not present risk uses language to communicate and demonstrate adequate shared attention function. It was observed that characteristics of functional and symbolic play and shared attention, if present, are aspects that attenuate the risk for ASD. In addition, the absence of ecolalia is also a variable that aids the possible diagnosis. Conclusion: The observation of play was effective in the evaluation of the communication allocated functions of autistic children, assisting in the direction and optimization of the therapeutic process.