OBJECTIVES: Using a taxonomy of object play, this study describes methodological issues in using retrospective video analysis and computer-based coding as a research tool for early identification of autism. METHOD: Home videos of 32 infants with autism (n= 11), developmental delay (n= 10), and typical development (n= 11) were edited and analyzed for duration and highest level of object play in four hierarchical categories (exploratory, relational, functional, symbolic) using The Observer 3.0. RESULTS: The three groups had similar levels of engagement with objects, and no statistically significant differences in duration of exploratory play. Higher levels of play were rarely evident at 9-12 months, however, the highest level achieved (functional play) was apparent only in the typical group. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first naturalistic investigation of object play skills in infants with autism ages 9-12 months. It also demonstrates feasibility for using computer-based coding technology within the context of retrospective video analysis methods. Duration of exploratory play was not a discriminating feature of autism at this early age.
OBJECTIVES: Using a taxonomy of object play, this study describes methodological issues in using retrospective video analysis and computer-based coding as a research tool for early identification of autism. METHOD: Home videos of 32 infants with autism (n= 11), developmental delay (n= 10), and typical development (n= 11) were edited and analyzed for duration and highest level of object play in four hierarchical categories (exploratory, relational, functional, symbolic) using The Observer 3.0. RESULTS: The three groups had similar levels of engagement with objects, and no statistically significant differences in duration of exploratory play. Higher levels of play were rarely evident at 9-12 months, however, the highest level achieved (functional play) was apparent only in the typical group. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first naturalistic investigation of object play skills in infants with autism ages 9-12 months. It also demonstrates feasibility for using computer-based coding technology within the context of retrospective video analysis methods. Duration of exploratory play was not a discriminating feature of autism at this early age.
Authors: Micheal Sandbank; Tiffany Woynaroski; Linda R Watson; Elizabeth Gardner; Bahar Keçeli Kaysili; Paul Yoder Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2017-06
Authors: Kaitlyn P Wilson; Mary W Carter; Heather L Wiener; Margaret L DeRamus; John C Bulluck; Linda R Watson; Elizabeth R Crais; Grace T Baranek Journal: Autism Dev Lang Impair Date: 2017-06-15
Authors: Peter B Marschik; Christa Einspieler; Jeff Sigafoos; Christian Enzinger; Sven Bölte Journal: Dev Neurorehabil Date: 2014-05-19 Impact factor: 2.308
Authors: Sergio Serrada-Tejeda; Sergio Santos-Del-Riego; Teresa A May-Benson; Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-05-26 Impact factor: 3.390