Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2007):

Brief report: designing a playground for children with autistic spectrum disorders--effects on playful peer interactions.

Full Abstract

This study investigated possible changes in social play and initiations in eight boys (5 to 7-years-old) with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) who were moving from an old to a new school playground that was designed specifically to enhance playful peer interaction. Each boy was observed for half an hour over three occasions in the old, then the new setting. The playgrounds differed in design, spatial density and identity of potential play partners. As hypothesised, frequency of group play and overall social initiations increased significantly in the new setting. We discuss how playgrounds with appropriate levels of physical challenge and support for both structured, imaginative play and solitary observation may support peer interactions in children with ASD.

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Author information

Author/s: Yuill, Nicola (N); Strieth, Sara (S); Roake, Caroline (C); Aspden, Ruth (R); Todd, Brenda (B);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Centre for Research in Cognitive Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK. nicolay(-atsign-)sussex.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (J Autism Dev Disord), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jul; vol 37 (issue 6) : pp 1192-6

Dates: Created 2007/06/25; Completed 2007/10/15;

PMID: 17063401, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Autistic Disorder - diagnosis; psychology; rehabilitation Child Child, Preschool Education, Special Environment Design Female Humans Imagination

Male Motor Activity Motor Skills Peer Group Play and Playthings Social Behavior Social Identification Socialization

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