This study was done to demonstrate diverse play actions and sequential play actions as two aspects that can help in increasing play complexity in the young child with Autism.
Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate fewer and less varied play behaviors than children with typical development. This is because their mind is relatively slower at processing the change in requirements. They are unable to process and respond to the changes in play patterns in ways that are similar to their peers. This article describes two studies designed to increase two aspects of play complexity—diverse play actions and sequential play actions—in a child with ASD. In the very first study, we use a multi-treatment single-case design to compare the use of the system of least prompts with contingent reinforcement for diverse play or all play. In the second study, we used a multiple probe design to examine the relation between the system of least prompts with contingent reinforcement and the child’s use of play sequences.
The study concluded that across both studies, the complexity of play increased when specific aspects were prompted and reinforced; however, the maintenance of effects was variable.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1088357618800493
