Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Assessing Patterns Of Social Engagement In Typically Developing Children, Children With Mental Retardation, And Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using A Standardized Playground Observation Checklist, Daniel H. Ingram

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Prior research in the area of play in children suggests that children's interactions with one another can predict their social competence, their social skill development, and their ability to establish and maintain social relationships. However, most prior research has been carried out in contrived playgroups under adult direction or supervision; few studies have been carried out in naturalistic settings without adult interference. This retrospective, predictive study reviewed archival data to assess similarities and differences in playground interactions between typical children, children with mental retardation, and children with autism spectrum disorder. The study introduced a structured playground observation checklist in order …