Scholarlink

Purpose of Review <p>Play is a core occupation of childhood and a fundamental context for development, well-being, and social participation among autistic children. This narrative review aims to (i) describe the unique play characteristics of autistic children, (ii) synthesize underlying mechanisms, (iii) evaluate available assessment tools, and (iv) identify intervention strategies that enhance play.</p> Recent Findings <p>A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, the Cochrane Database, OTseeker, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published between 2010 and 2024. Eligible studies were narratively synthesized across three domains: play characteristics and mechanisms, assessment tools, and intervention strategies. Evidence shows that autistic children exhibit unique play profiles shaped by cognitive, social-emotional, communicative, sensory, and motivational processes. Accurate assessment requires integrating observational, informant-report, and environment-sensitive measures to capture the multidimensional nature of play. Interventions demonstrate the greatest effectiveness when they flexibly combine behavioral, contextual, and motivational strategies and are embedded in natural settings with active involvement of families, peers, and educators.</p> Summary <p>Occupational therapists play a central role in advancing neurodiversity-affirming approaches that both respect authentic play preferences and expand opportunities for meaningful, flexible, and socially inclusive play. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for assessment, practices and to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of intervention strategies.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Occupational Therapy and Play in Autistic Children: A Narrative Review of Characteristics, Mechanisms, Assessments, and Interventions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月28日

查看全文
  • Hooshang Mirzaie,
  • Ehsan Jamshidian,
  • Seyed Ali Hosseini,
  • Samaneh Karamali Esmaili,
  • Enayatollah Bakhshi

摘要

Purpose of Review

Play is a core occupation of childhood and a fundamental context for development, well-being, and social participation among autistic children. This narrative review aims to (i) describe the unique play characteristics of autistic children, (ii) synthesize underlying mechanisms, (iii) evaluate available assessment tools, and (iv) identify intervention strategies that enhance play.

Recent Findings

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, the Cochrane Database, OTseeker, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published between 2010 and 2024. Eligible studies were narratively synthesized across three domains: play characteristics and mechanisms, assessment tools, and intervention strategies. Evidence shows that autistic children exhibit unique play profiles shaped by cognitive, social-emotional, communicative, sensory, and motivational processes. Accurate assessment requires integrating observational, informant-report, and environment-sensitive measures to capture the multidimensional nature of play. Interventions demonstrate the greatest effectiveness when they flexibly combine behavioral, contextual, and motivational strategies and are embedded in natural settings with active involvement of families, peers, and educators.

Summary

Occupational therapists play a central role in advancing neurodiversity-affirming approaches that both respect authentic play preferences and expand opportunities for meaningful, flexible, and socially inclusive play. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for assessment, practices and to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of intervention strategies.