Assessment of Playfulness in Children with Autistic Disorder: A Comparison of the Children's Playfulness Scale and the Test of Playfulness

Abstract

This study investigated the Children's Playfulness Scale (CPS) and the Test of Playfulness (ToP) in assessing children with autistic disorder. Twenty-four children aged 41 to 86 months were assessed on the CPS by a parent and on the CPS and the ToP by occupational therapists who rated two 15-minute unstructured and structured play sessions. Analysis of the data revealed correlations between the CPS parent and therapist ratings and the CPS and ToP scores for observed play sessions. A statistically significant difference (F = 79.263; p = .01) between parent CPS ratings and therapist CPS ratings was found in the unstructured play session. Correlation coefficients revealed a strong, positive correlation between therapist-rated ToP and CPS assessments (unstructured play, r = .814, p < .05; structured play, r = .799, p < .05). Regarding therapist ratings of playfulness, the CPS and the ToP appear to assess a similar phenomenon and are clinically useful for children with autistic disorder.

The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Parent–Child Play Preferences

“…The parents rated their children as more playful in unstructured play as compared to the therapists. However, there was not a significant difference in the ratings of playfulness by the parents and therapists with regards to structured play (Muys et al, 2006). The perspectives of play and the play interactions by therapists and parents are most likely influenced by different factors.…”

“…There is evidence to guide understanding of how sensory processing patterns and preferences influence children's play (Bundy, et al, 2007;Mische-Lawson, 2006;Muys, et al, 2006) and information on how a parent may participate in play and interact with their children (Clawson, et al, 2001;Cress, et al, 2008;El-Ghoroury & Romanczyk, 1999). However, information regarding how the sensory processing patterns of parents and children may impact the parent-child interaction is lacking.…”

“…Playfulness Scale (CPS), and The Play History have been successfully used in occupational therapy research literature (Muys, et al, 2006;Takata, 1969;Bundy, et al, 2007).…”

“…The raters then use a 5 point Likert scale to rate the children in each of the areas (Asher, 1996). The CPS has been used in studies assessing a child's playfulness and has been proven to have acceptable inter rater reliability (Muys, et al, 2006).…”

“…The favorite play activities as deemed by the parents, teachers and children included outdoor and dramatic play, blocks and art activities. Muys, Rodgers, & Bundy (2006) examined the playfulness of children with autism via the completion of the Child Playfulness Scale by the parents of the children as well as an occupational therapist. Findings from the study showed there was a statistical significant difference in the playfulness ratings by parents and therapists in regards to unstructured play.…”