This study compared the effect of structured play (SP) and facilitated play (FP) in promoting spontaneity and responsiveness in communication and play behaviors in children with autism. SP is characterized by the use of mass practice trials under the instruction of the experimenter while FP incorporated incidental teaching with multiple exemplars. Eight preschoolers participated in a crossover design of both play conditions. Gains in appropriate communication and play were observed across both treatments. Respondent communicative acts occurred more frequently across all participants during SP compared with FP. The preliminary results indicate an interaction between the mental age of the child and the teaching paradigm used. The need to match treatment goals and specific methods of the play intervention to the skill profile of participants is discussed.

The article reports the results of a pilot study comparing traditional behavioural approaches and natural play interventions for young children with autism over a 10 week period. Two matched groups of eight young children with autism participated. Using a crossover design, children in both groups showed positive gains in compliance, attending, play and communication with their therapists and parents. Improvements in attending and compliance were higher following the behavioural condition compared with the natural play condition. Seven participants had reduced autism scores after the intervention. The findings suggest that behavioural and play approaches affect behaviour in different ways and that autistic symptomatology of young children may be amenable to treatment. The discussion focuses on the active ingredients of treatments and the need to base efficacy research on well-planned treatment comparisons.