RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Exploratory object play is a primary strategy in amassing knowledge about one's environment and determines the development of language skills at a later age. However, still much remains unknown about how object play is related to visual and language development in children at risk of developmental disorders. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Forty-four children at risk of developmental disorders aged 13 to 37 months took part in the study. The measurement of object play relied on observation of children manipulating novel objects. Language skills were assessed by the Mullen Scales. RESULTS: The results indicate that there is a correlation between specific object play behaviours, language and visual skills. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study support the hypothesis that the relationship between visual and language skills and object play in children at risk of developmental disorders is different in younger and older children.
RESUMEN
Various studies have shown a relationship between the development of language and object play in children. Children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show difficulties in both of these areas of functioning. But the knowledge about the relationships between the severity of ASD symptoms and object play in children at risk of developmental disorders remains limited. To explore these relationships, 44 children aged 13-37 months took part in this study. Object play and ASD symptoms were assessed in two age groups (13-18 months and 24-37 months). The results show that ASD symptom intensity is related to object play complexity in children at risk of developmental disorders. However, these relationships are different depending on the age of the children.