Supporting children on the autism spectrum in peer play at home and school: piloting the integrated play groups model in Taiwan

Autism. 2003 Dec;7(4):437-53. doi: 10.1177/1362361303007004009.

Abstract

The article focuses on integrated play groups (IPGs) as a model to support children with ASD in play with typically developing peers/siblings, and its recent adoption with children in a home and school setting in Taiwan. The first part provides a brief overview of the IPG model and its essential features. The second part reports on a pilot investigation that combined quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the effects of participation in IPGs on the symbolic and social play of two early elementary-aged children with autism. Preliminary findings suggest that each child made notable gains in reciprocal social interaction and symbolic/pretend play while participating in play groups. Implications are discussed in terms of play's role in enhancing socialization, imagination and peer cultural inclusion.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Peer Group
  • Pilot Projects
  • Play Therapy / methods
  • Play and Playthings*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Schools*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Support*
  • Taiwan
  • Time Factors