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- Title
AN EXPLORATION OF THE OUTDOOR PLAY EXPERIENCES OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN AN IRISH PRESCHOOL SETTING.
- Authors
Blake, Aine; Sexton, Julie; Lynch, Helen; Moore, Alice; Coughlan, Maeve
- Abstract
Background: Play, particularly outdoor play is seen a fundamental experience for all children. Nonetheless, literature consistently demonstrates that children with disabilities participate less in outdoor play, compared to typically developing peers. However, little research exists with regards to outdoor play experiences of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Aims/Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and understand the outdoor play experiences of preschool children with ASD, to better understand what play means to them, how they experience play, and to identify how play is enabled in the preschool setting. Methods: A multi method approach was used, combining visual, language and projective techniques. Seventeen participants - six children in a special ASD preschool class, five mothers and six preschool staff were recruited through a local special preschool setting. Data were collaboratively analyzed through thematic analysis to form the findings of this study. Findings: Analysis resulted in three themes and eight subthemes related to a) play choice and autonomy, b) play opportunity, and c) power of play. The importance of the outdoors as a site of opportunity for play and social engagement was central, alongside the challenges of orchestrating play. Play was highly supervised, and characterised by a tension between enabling free-play versus encouraging acceptable play. Although outdoor play was evident in multiple settings, community playgrounds were not always usable due to inadequate design for children with ASD. Conclusions: Findings have potential application in a variety of settings. While the importance of relationships cannot be overlooked, infrastructural supports both for parents, schools and community development in its broadest sense are required if we are to maximise outdoor play opportunities for children with ASD.
- Subjects
AUTISM spectrum disorders in children; OUTDOOR recreation for children with disabilities; CARE of children with disabilities
- Publication
Today's Children are Tomorrow's Parents, 2018, Issue 47/48, p100
- ISSN
1582-1889
- Publication type
Article