Effects of Home-Based Play Activities for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Pages 20-24)

Ling-Yi Lin1,2

1Departments of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 2Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-8231.2020.08.05

Download PDF

Abstract: Previous research has showed that implementing the home-based programs by parents would improve social communication development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little research was comprehensively investigated children’s adaptive functioning and other developmental areas. This study aimed to examine if the home-based play activities would improve children’s developmental abilities and adaptive functioning. Eight young children with ASD were recruited. All participants received a 14-week home-based program and were assessed at pre- and post-tests. The Chinese version of Psychoeducational Profile-Third edition (CPEP-3) was administered. All participants completed the 14-week home-based program, undergoing an average of 117.3 hours of intervention. Children with ASD have significantly greater improvements in the communication, motor, and adaptive behavior composite scores of the CPEP-3 after the 14-week program. The results suggested that the home-based play activities may benefit children with ASD, especially in terms of their social communication development, motor development, and adaptive functioning. This study contributed to evidence-based practice for children with ASD by demonstrating a feasible and economical program in current clinics.

Keywords: Adaptive functioning, autism spectrum disorder, home-based, play activities.
Read more