Examination of play skills of children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which problems in verbal communication and interaction and repetitive obsessive behaviors are seen. Each child with autism has symptoms in a different order and number. These are developmental differences used to distinguish them from their normally developing peers. One of the areas where children with autism differ from their normally developing peers is play. The aim of this study is to examine the play skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. In line with the main purpose of the study, the play skills of 18 children with autism spectrum disorder were examined in the special education and rehabilitation center they attend. Before the research, four different game types were determined and a toy suitable for each game type was selected. A separate observation session was planned for each child. The data of the study were collected with the video recordings taken during the observation session of the children with autism and the notes taken by the researcher during the sessions. The data obtained in the research were analyzed by content analysis method and divided into codes. Considering the results of the study, children with autism showed the most appropriate use of toys in dramatic and functional game. Children mostly showed using the toy out of its function in constructive game and game with rules. Children with autism showed two types of repetitive and obsessive behaviors. According to the communication skills findings, the number of children who made eye contact was higher than the children who did not in in functional, dramatic game and game with rules. On average, one third of the study group engaged in initiating verbal communication with the researcher. In the study, one child who showed echolalia in verbal communication, repeated the instructions of the researcher in all play types.