​​​​Abstract

There is relatively little research on selecting play targets to enhance the play skills of autistic children. This presentation shares recent findings on the selection of developmentally appropriate play targets, including an assessment designed to identify socially valid toys and play targets based on each participant's experiences, preferences, and caregivers' values. In addition, teaching pretend play to autistic children often involves prompting and reinforcing scripted responses. While effective, these procedures may be limited as they can produce scripted and rote play. This presentation will offer an alternative approach, focusing on the emergence of pretend play skills that reflect children's daily experiences.

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Objectives​​

​1. Participants will identify the difference between development-matched and age-matched play targets.
2. Participants will learn about the use of an assessment for selecting toys and specific play actions that align with the participants' experiences, preferences, and their caregiver’s values.
3. Participants will learn about the effects of using real objects in teaching pretend play on the emergence and generalization of pretend play behaviors in autistic children.