Object play in infants with autism: methodological issues in retrospective video analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Using a taxonomy of object play, this study describes methodological issues in using retrospective video analysis and computer-based coding as a research tool for early identification of autism.


METHODS
Home videos of 32 infants with autism (n= 11), developmental delay (n= 10), and typical development (n= 11) were edited and analyzed for duration and highest level of object play in four hierarchical categories (exploratory, relational, functional, symbolic) using The Observer 3.0.


RESULTS
The three groups had similar levels of engagement with objects, and no statistically significant differences in duration of exploratory play. Higher levels of play were rarely evident at 9-12 months, however, the highest level achieved (functional play) was apparent only in the typical group.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first naturalistic investigation of object play skills in infants with autism ages 9-12 months. It also demonstrates feasibility for using computer-based coding technology within the context of retrospective video analysis methods. Duration of exploratory play was not a discriminating feature of autism at this early age.
Baranek
Grace T
GT
Division of Occupational Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7120, USA. gbaranek@med.unc.edu
Barnett
Carolyn R
CR
Adams
Erin M
EM
Wolcott
Nancy A
NA
Watson
Linda R
LR
Crais
Elizabeth R
ER
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003205:Computing Methodologies; D003625:Data Collection; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014743:Videotape Recording